Author: Kelly S.
Dear Event Managers,
This one is for you! Ideas that you can do to motivate your team before/during/after an event.
BEFORE THE EVENT
Food
Starting the team huddle off with a snack will help bring the team together. Even if you get something that is not a hit, they will still appreciate the jesture. Try to stay away from options with meat, nuts, or dairy. Coffee/tea and doughnuts are always a safe bet, but don't forget the mints!
Breaks
Have the break schedule ready and posted before the event starts. This lets your team knew that you care about their time, and any discrepancies can be added ahead of time rather than in the middle ofa busy activation.
Advocate
When you're working with a new team, it can be hard to gain their trust in the beginning, especially if the activation is intense. Having one or two people on the team that have worked with you before will help. Promos will talk to each other. If someone asks "have you worked with this manager before?", you will hopefully have someone who can say "yes, and he/she is a great manager".
DURING THE EVENT
Work ... WITH your team. Do the jobs that are the last wanted along side them. If you are helping, you are part of the team, not just behind the scenes blowing orders. Show them that all tasks are equally important by your willingness to step in.
Check-in
If you see energy levels dropping, check-in. Ask if the person is okay, needs water, etc. By you showing that you are paying attention and care, that alone may get their energy back up without further action.
Smile
This one can easily be forgotten when things are in full swing. Keep a smile on your face. It's important! By making eye contact with your team and smiling, you are reassuring then that they are doing a good job.
AFTER THE EVENT
Celebrate
Share the final activation numbers. Did you hit goal? Celebrate! There should always be a huddle after activation just like before activation.
Feedback
Ask for feedback. What improvements can be made together? Your team could have noticed or experienced something that may need to be tweaked for next time. If an idea simply won't work, don't shut it down in font of the team. Simply write it down and thank everyone for their input.
Give thanks
Thank your team for their time and hard work. Be sincere, even with those who may have been a challenge. Invite the team to take a water for the road. Tell them you hope to work with them again I the future. Our network is smaller than it seems, so chances are, you will see them again.
About Kelly...
Kelly is a ray of sunshine who have been in the industry since 2004. She has done it all!!! Tours, Demos, Fairs, Festivals and tons more. She started out as a Brand Ambassador, then quickly worked her way up to Event Manager and currenlty, a National Activation Event Planner. She is ALL THAT and a bag of chips! #RockstarTrainer
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