How can you create a wellness-centered event that clients will love?

You also have to be clear who your audience are and what are their key takeaways in order to align the topics, activities and speakers who will deliver the best experience. Having this information can make your goal clearer and more strategic.

In my experience, inviting attendees to co-collaborate through sharing past experiences and expectations has been immensely helpful. I always ask for feedback following any event, both positive and negative, so that the voices of my participants are heard and recognized. I utilize this information when designing the blueprint for new events in order to continually improve the overall event and meet my clients’ expectations.

Things to consider are where do your target audience hang out. Are they mostly online or do they love in-person gatherings? What do they love to do? Do they love to listen to experts or do they want to mingle and meet like-minded community? Do they like to travel and explore new places? What are you offering? Are you just merely educating or are you providing experiential activities? These will factor on the format that your audience is most likely to attend. Having a strategic plan will help you decide when, where at what type of events you can create.

I have hosted various types of events, including online, one-day retreats, and immersive retreats that last several days. I have found that more healing and growth are realized on multi-day retreats in private, beautiful settings.

This is where knowing your audience is key. Knowing what makes them get out of bed in the morning. Knowing their WHY through research, focus groups, surveys or interviews. These data will help you not only pick the right topic but also pick the perfect speaker and design the overall program based on what they truly care about. Content has to be engaging and not boring. Try to incorporate lots of activities and opportunities for the attendees to participate and not just listen to the speaker. A workshop style where people actually do the exercise and experience it with others is the best way to teach and make it even more memorable.

An example I've seen is Friendly and approachable staff. Greeting attendees with a smile and offering assistance when needed can set a positive tone and leave a lasting impression.

The devil is in the details. These little surprises will make your event not only fun but unforgettable. It could be a little note or tiny details in their goodie bags like a personalized item or a signature drink during reception. Having a fun backdrop or installations for selfies or group photos is always a hit. You can also add a mascot for some fun factor or some entertainment if that fits your theme and budget.

I like to create a private social media group following the event where participants can continue to contribute, communicate and grow.

Use your circle of influence to spread the word out. Ask your speakers to share the event. Prepare marketing collaterals for them to share with call to action. Having a special code for their followers is an additional incentive. Use your network to promote the event and don’t be shy to partner with strategic alliances. Give them incentive as well. This can also be a form of affiliate marketing where they get a referral fee for every successful registration.

I have found that using a variety of promotional tools works best. Different people respond better to different means of engagement. IE: social media groups/event postings, emails to past participants or those who have shared interest, or even paper fliers/posters.

Ask for feedback prior to the end of the event. I like to create a paper (or online) survey that I ask participants complete prior to departing the retreat. I set time aside in the schedule to do this, and it is completely anonymous.

One thing I've found help in evaluating your event's it helps build long term success. When are continuously refining your event strategies based on feedback you can build a reputation of delivering high quality experiences. There is always areas that we can improve so never take it as negative.

Clients must be involved in the production of ideas for the project by taking their opinion and analyzing the prevailing mentalities and general orientation