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I have a question and could use some feedback. Besides the main attraction at an event, what do you look forward to most? Is it the giveaways or the chance for meet and greets? Maybe it’s connecting with folks who share your interests, discovering new artists, or just enjoying the vibe and energy. The memories made and the unique moments can often be just as special as the main event itself. What makes attending an event special?
While I certainlly appreciate and respect the question. Thinking operationally, things have to be easier to move around, especially getting in and out. I can’t tell you how many times I have decided not to attend an event I could also watch on TV because I didn’t want to deal with the headache of traffic/logistics. And many times, the price for me to attend an event is of little to no cost to me. Even turning down suite access with food and drinks covered.
Pre-event experiences and traditions connected to the event. Tailgating for CFB games is definitely top 2 of all time.
The experience & atmosphere for sure! Giveaways are cool if it’s something the people will actually want and stick around for. Special appearances with active individuals is always a fun time, too! Remember, it’s not a party if there’s no bass in the speakers or photo ops. 😉
If I’m wearing my booster hat, it’s the nostalgia, tradition, and community. Maybe I’m old school in that way, but there’s something special about spending that time with family and others who have been sitting near you for years/decades. To your point, it’s the memories made just by being there. (I realize that’s not what anyone wants to hear when they’re planning to reseat a venue.) Another nice perk for certain sports like baseball is general admission space near the outfield where the kids can run around and try to catch foul balls, so interaction with the game as opposed to a kid zone that’s in the concourse.
If it’s outdoors, the event venue is critical. Parking, weather, friendliness of the hosts and their staff, ease of the event including restrooms, and cleanliness. Fun, food, friends, and meeting new people. The big pluses are to see your athletes, or big names in person or have a chance to do the meet and greets.
Giveaways like team branded items - hat, towel, etc., special passes for meet and greets, specialty food vendors, activities during commercial breaks, special performances during halftime. I'm sure you've heard about the Grimace effect on the Mets. I was at the game he threw the first pitch, anything gimmicky like that is fun as a spectator.
I would say the special part about events is not tangible. It’s an indescribable experience to share a space and common goal/excitement with 10k people at a concert or 100k people at a football game. Activations and marketing play a major role in these environments as well to make it an unforgettable experience.
I believe a lot of positive energy comes from the atmosphere, how people are greeted and treated. Are you paying attention to the details, even the smaller ones matter. The meet n greets and giveaways are nice, but I’ve seen them tank because of a poor atmosphere and lack of communication.
It's touched on but the event/staff experience is often the most overlooked factor. You can have the best access, giveaway, experience but a bad guest experience can ruin it all. The first person you see from parking to ticket entry to all employees to the last person you see when you leave can make or break a great experience.
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5moAccess, access, access. Fans and attendees want access to areas they normally wouldn't be able to see, get to, interact, etc. Sidelines, pre-game shoot arounds/warm-ups, autographs, meet-and-greets pre/post game, etc. I want the behind the scenes...the making of...etc. Give me the inside "scoop" and look...maybe the "Gear room" or previous alumni or legends of the sport. Put the faces and places where the people "are" and have the chance to have genuine, unique interaction, share stories/memories, etc. Nostalgia is real!!