5 things people care about when attending an event

Claire van Berkum
Claire van Berkum
12 February 2024
3 min

Yesss! We are allowed again. Our doors are wide open and we have already welcomed the first visitors with open arms. Lovely to do, but also a bit of an income again. And how about you? Do you also need a little refresher course in organising your event? We put everything back in order: what do people really find important when they visit an event? Which elements should not be missing at your event? These are five crucial factors:

  1. Hospitality
  2. Experience
  3. Meetings
  4. Good accessibility
  5. Sustainability

Granted; you don't go to an event just for the hospitality industry (unless you go to a hospitality fair), but it is a vital part. People like not having to think about lunch or dinner for a while. Because a day out, of course, includes a snack and a drink. It also appeals to visitors to try something new. Think special bites or tasty sandwiches with an original twist. Something you don't get at home or don't have the time for. So, put high on the list: plenty of food and drink options.

Jaarbeurs catering meetings congresses fairs Utrecht

Just interesting content won't get you there (anymore). We want experience. Action! Does your event have a 'wow effect'? Then you can be sure that visitors will want to come back year after year. Try looking at your event through your visitor's glasses. Make sure they are bowled over by the fun activities or the beautiful decor. Admire and marvel: nothing is too crazy. As long as those mouths open in amazement, you will be fine.

 

"Visitors want value for money, time or energy. How...? Experience!"

KreaDoe Spring Festival Jaarbeurs

Heroes Dutch Comic Con Jaarbeurs 2022

Organise your congress, corporate event, conference or meeting at Jaarbeurs in Utrecht.

Event organising in 2022 whitepaper

Eurospoor 2021

Games Spectacle

Well, it is perhaps the #1 reason to go to an event. Meeting new people. And finally-definitely it can happen again. Therefore, facilitate connection with each other. For instance, encourage organised one-on-one talks, breakout groups or meetings at stands. At a festival or music event, you can assume that visitors will naturally mingle. But make sure there is always enough space. A nice chill space with lounge sofas and picnic tables, for instance.

A clue, of course. And actually this speaks for itself, but sometimes we forget the importance of good accessibility. This can easily be the deciding factor whether or not to attend an event. Is your event in a remote corner of the Netherlands or in the middle of the country? Easy to reach by public transport and also by car? And what about parking facilities? A good location and accessibility is KEY for visitors.

As an event location, Jaarbeurs is particularly easy to reach, right in the heart of the Netherlands. Our Beatrix building with the Beatrix Theatre is right next to Utrecht Central Station. The 11 halls of the Event & Exhibition Centre and our conference locations Supernova, Media Plaza and Juliana area are just across the street.

In addition, with over 4,300 private parking spaces, there is always a spot available for your car.

 

"Train, car, bicycle or on foot: accessibility is a decisive factor for people to attend an event."

Sustainability is moving up the agenda everywhere. And let's face it, big events are not known for being sustainable. But that does not mean that people do not think it is important. Your event, too, can be sustainable. With every decision, think about what impact it has on the environment and whether there is a better alternative. Do you find it hard to make sustainable choices? We'll give you a hand! At Jaarbeurs, we have set ourselves a sustainable goal: we want to be Europe's most sustainable conference and event venue. On this page you can read how we want to contribute to a sustainable future.

"Sustainable event: in every decision, consider whether there is a better alternative for the environment"

Whether it's ticking off the above five points or if you want additional tips to attract more visitors to your event... We are ready to make your event successful.

At Jaarbeurs, you get more than just square metres. With exceptional events and extraordinary experiences, we want to stimulate and inspire visitors day-in day-out. Do you have a creative idea and are you eager to organise it? Contact us or read more about organising your fair or event at Jaarbeurs.

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