Hello and welcome to The Well, Planwell’s weekly newsletter, read by event marketing professionals around the world. Planwell is an event marketing agency trusted by dozens of small-team marketers from the best B2B brands. Learn more at Planwellco.com.
Event Experience: Curating an Unforgettable Dinner to Foster Connections
Planning a dinner to follow up with trade show leads is a fantastic opportunity to create an environment where connections flourish and relationships deepen. To make this event more than just a meal, focus on thoughtful touches and strategic planning that encourage meaningful conversations.
- Strategic seating arrangements: Intentionally pair customers and prospects with shared interests or goals to spark meaningful conversations.
- Table rotations: Rotate seating arrangements after cocktail hour, dinner, and dessert to keep discussions fresh and dynamic.
- Personalized seat drops: Include small branded gifts or thoughtful touches, like a custom thank-you note or a mini dessert box.
- Custom menus: Highlight a unique dining experience by featuring custom menus with branding and tailored options for dietary preferences.
- Limited programming: Keep it simple with brief introductions and an icebreaker question for all guests (e.g., "What’s your favorite bottle of wine?").
- Live entertainment: Include subtle live music or a performer to create a relaxed atmosphere and provide natural conversation breaks.
- Post-event follow-up: Take the icebreaker question to the next level by sending each attendee their favorite wine as a personalized follow-up.
By incorporating these thoughtful touches, you’ll create an event that not only delights attendees but also reinforces your brand as one that values relationships and attention to detail.
Venue Recs: San Francisco:
Planning a field marketing event in San Francisco? Check out these venues:
- The Cavalier: Experience British-inspired cuisine with a modern twist in the heart of San Francisco at The Cavalier, where classic dishes meet contemporary flair in a stylish and inviting setting.
- Benu: Immerse yourself in a culinary journey at Benu, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined Asian-inspired cuisine crafted with precision and artistry, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
- Novela: Step into a world of literary-inspired cocktails and sophisticated ambiance at Novela, where classic novels come to life through inventive libations and stylish decor in downtown San Francisco.
- Mourad: Indulge in the flavors of modern Moroccan cuisine at Mourad, where traditional ingredients are reimagined with innovative techniques, creating an elevated dining experience in a chic and elegant atmosphere.
- Tropisueno: Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Mexico at Tropisueno, a lively taqueria and tequila bar offering authentic Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in a festive and colorful setting.
Bring creativity to life with an interactive art station
Adding an interactive art station to your event is a surefire way to captivate attendees and create a lasting impression. Art has a unique ability to spark conversations, evoke emotions, and provide a shared experience—perfect for networking or simply elevating the event atmosphere. Here are a few examples of how you can incorporate interactive art into your event:
- Live artist demonstration: Hire a local artist to create a large-scale painting or mural during the event. The evolving piece becomes a live attraction that draws attendees in and keeps them coming back to check on its progress. You can even brand the artwork or raffle it off to attendees.
- Collaborative canvas: Set up a large blank canvas and provide attendees with brushes, paint, or markers to contribute to a collective work of art. This collaborative approach encourages participation and leaves you with a one-of-a-kind keepsake from the event.
- Digital art station: Use tablets or interactive screens where attendees can create digital art, which can then be displayed on large monitors throughout the venue or emailed to them as a keepsake.
- Custom calligraphy or portraits: Hire a calligrapher to create personalized name cards, quotes, or keepsakes, or set up a caricature artist station for fun, customized portraits.
- Themed mosaic wall: Provide small tiles or pieces for attendees to decorate, then assemble them into a mosaic that reflects the event’s theme or branding. This creates a beautiful visual centerpiece and a sense of collective achievement.
Interactive art stations aren’t just about aesthetics—they create engagement, encourage networking, and leave attendees with a tangible memory of your event.
Event Marketing Resources:
Leave the planning to Planwell
We know how time-consuming it is to thoughtfully plan and execute corporate events, especially with limited bandwidth, a rigorous calendar, and no new headcount on the horizon.
That’s why Planwell exists. Our team specializes in planning three types of B2B events: Trade Shows, Field Marketing Events, and Conferences & Summits. Learn more here.
