As The Digital Voice gears up for the new year, it gives us time to reflect on the number and variety of events we have supported  our clients on in 2022. From OMR to Cannes, DMEXCO to iPX, the events team, consisting of Cameron, Rosie and Akinyi, have been beside our clients every step of the way, making each event better than the last. 

But what are the keys to success? What are some of the things that are pivotal to a great event? Senior Event Executives Akinyi Odhiambo and Rosie Hutchinson share their six top tips for nailing events in 2023 and beyond. 

1. Preparation is key 

At The Digital Voice, we’re kicking off 2023 with our Four S’s: Smooth, Steady, Serene and Strategic. These four pillars embody the calm energy we bring as we’re ensuring we do everything we can to be ready for your event. 

The better your preparation, the dreamier your life as an event planner is! Good planning keeps you cool, calm and collected, and while unforeseen changes are inevitable, we can always get ahead of them.

This can include vision boards for early idea flow, budget planning and ordering and designing products in advance. We personally appreciate a healthy two-week deadline before the event for this - no one wants a missing delivery!

2. Stand out from the crowd 

Events are back with a bang in a post pandemic world, whether in-person, virtual or hybrid. It is more important than ever to make sure that yours is memorable. What are the experiences that will stick in the memories of your guests? Think outside the box. Want to promote your brand and need snacks to help energise people throughout the day? Try incorporating your branding into some tasty treats! Hosting a party? Have secret drinks behind the bar and props to get guests in the party mood. Having an event during a particular season? Incorporate that into the merch you offer. No idea is too crazy (we’re speaking figuratively!)

3. Sustainability is your best friend 

Events are a vital marketing tool within many different industries, but any environmental impact they create reflects on the brand in question. Here are some sustainable suggestions from the TDV events team to get that essential, eco-friendly, glowy foundation for all of your events:

• Rent large event displays instead of buying them for a one-time thing
• Use sustainably sourced or recycled products - for example, did you know you can buy biodegradable balloons and confetti??
• Signage - a sticky one (sometimes literally). Signage is eye-catching and essential when it comes to events, but can be wasteful when commissioned. Digital screens, whiteboards or chalkboards (give those art skills a whirl!) are a great alternative if available.
• Merchandise - don’t forget about the sweets, cupcakes, biscuits - you name it. Find suppliers who use sustainable and recyclable packaging, and the product can be consumed waste-free. Plus - no more hungry attendees. 

4. Team work makes the dream work 

We’re very fortunate at The Digital Voice to have a strong, supportive team who are always on hand to problem-solve, lift each other up and have fun. The key component for any team is communication. Some of our top methods of communication and consistency include: 

• Using collaborative Trello boards & regularly updating them with key details
• Frequent catch-up calls to share updates and sometimes share workload
• Brainstorming sessions to bounce ideas off of each other 
• Starting the week with a “what’s on your list?” team chat

5. Smile please 

What is an event professional’s spirit animal? Easy - it’s a swan, all day long! Being swan-like - calm on the outside, while working super-hard beneath the surface - is the perfect way to put yourself and others at ease during the planning and execution of an event. Your energy is not only what keeps you going, but it uplifts everyone else at the event and maintains your clear thinking. So smile, take a breath, and exude swan energy!

6. Packing the essentials

Last but not least, your event packing essentials - the cherry on top of your event-nailing endeavours. You never know what you may need or be asked for. From clothing mishaps to headaches, tech difficulties to D.I.Y, always make sure you’re prepared for any eventuality. Try having ‘event-only’ supplies kept safe somewhere that are on hand to pop in your bag so you’re never caught out. Below are some TDV essentials we never leave the house without to give you some ideas!