It is almost here: 2022 is coming to an end. The perfect time to end an eventful year and start 2023 with a bang. Could you use some inspiration to organise a banging New Year's party or special kick-off event? Our account and event manager Anke Verstraten shares inspiring examples and tips.
As account and event manager of the convention centre at Jaarbeurs, Anke has seen the most dazzling events come to life. Together with her team, she is responsible for the organisation of events and meetings at the Jaarbeurs convention centre. She never turns her hand to unique events.
We put the question to her: how can you really end or start a year well?
'A dinner show is a really nice event to end the year,' says Anke. 'You want to thank employees or relations for what they have done. You want to go all out. And that is possible with a dinner show. Swinging entertainment, technology, decoration, catering: everything is fully coordinated.'
'For instance, we once had champagne ladies in the Progress or the Polar completely hung with prick lights. It looked insane.' A dinner show offers the best of both worlds. Culinary enjoyment while watching a complete spectacle.'
"With a dinner show, you end the year spectacularly," he says.
If you want to maximise the experience, a combination with a special musical show is a great option. Anke: 'A musical immediately puts your guests in the right mood. This is the moment for them to sit back and just enjoy themselves. It really enhances the 'getaway feeling'. Before or after the performance, we naturally provide a party setting. Thus, in addition to the theatre hall, we also offer several rooms where you can receive your own guests exclusively.
A good menu that seamlessly matches the theme of the event: it's the finishing touch you need. At a year-end event, you naturally think of bubbles, festive tables, oliebollen etc. But what do you do at a kick-off event at the start of the new year?
"A nice idea, for example, is 'Vitally enter the new year'. Think of our sustainable catering with a refreshing smoothie bar. Original and healthy too."
Although at first it may not seem very logical to book a speaker at a staff or relations event, it is the way to inspire people. A good speaker gets people thinking or makes a subject open for discussion. Anke: 'A good speaker adds enormously to the group dynamic, it just has to fit your theme. We are happy to think along with you about the right speaker and can put you in touch with each other if necessary.'
Excite your business associates and employees to come to the event? Make them curious with a surprise element or surprise act. It is a great way to build tension before and during the event. Anke: 'A surprise element can be something small, such as a unique light show. Or something big, such as the launch of a new product or the plans for the new year. It makes the event really unique and makes people really want to be there.'
"An element of surprise makes people want to be at the event."
Finally, this important tip: Don't forget the script! Put together a programme and script and communicate it to the venue. Anke: 'In terms of technology , the possibilities are enormous. Audio, lighting, screens, microphones ... everything. But we have to know you need it. Our technicians can arrange a lot on the spot, but of course it is easier if it is already there.
It is also good to evaluate the event afterwards: 'You should always do this. Evaluate the event afterwards with your guests and with us. That way you know exactly what can be done differently next time and what the success factor was.'
Account manager Anke
Want to know more about the opportunities at Jaarbeurs? I would be happy to help you!
At Jaarbeurs, you get the best facilities and guidance. We won the public award for Best Convention Venue of the Netherlands in 2022 for nothing! Together we will organise a splashing event your employees will be talking about for a long time.
Please contact me using the details below. Or drop by and experience the many possibilities of our conference venues for yourself.
jaarbeurs+31(0)30 295 58 81
