How to Make Events #WorthIt in Winter
Let’s be real - once winter hits Perth we’d all rather be one glass of red deep watching Netflix on our couch. In front of the heater. Inside an oodie.
This change in culture is a major red flag for event managers - suddenly the average 10% attendee drop-off rate becomes 25%, and there are too-many-to-eat leftover canapés after our events.
We hate to love it though, and use these 5 degree nights as a chance to tighten up our temptation skills and entice guests to give the night a chance (or suffer serious FOMO when they’re stalking the ‘gram from home).
Below are our five secrets for making guests comfortable at fantastically-freezing winter events;
1). Communication
Rain, hail or shine, communication with guests is your #1 priority. Event reminders and “what to expect” messages will ensure those sitting on the fence will hop right off and into your party. If it’s forecast to be cold - tell your guests to rug up. Rain? Bring that brolly. Cyclone? Cancel your event and hide in your cupboard, duh.
Share the details of what the night entails and how you’re planning on keeping them cosy so guests are reassured they’ll be comfortable from the get go.
2). Warmth-Factor
It’s a sad yet painful fact that Kathmandu jackets just aren’t cocktail attire - yet. If you’ve set a dress code, make sure you’re supplying heaters, plush rugs and carpets to soften the event space and keep attendees cosy.
You know how good it feels when you’re handed a weighty rug to stop your shivers, so let your guests feel that gratitude too!
3). VIP Treatment
Picture this: you’ve just parked for an event, the thunder Gods have opened up above and realisation hits that you didn’t accessorise your ball dress with an umbrella. This could be your cue to panic, but in the corner of your eye you notice event staff running to you, like knights in shining armour, with two umbrellas.
Now THIS is such a simple addition to an event to make guests feel the love that is often overlooked. If you can, staff people with umbrellas to chauffeur attendees in and out of the venue. Trust us, they’ll be singing your praises well after the event finishes.
Pssst… we understand that sometimes this special treatment isn’t even close to the realm of possibility, which takes us back to step one – check the forecast 50 times; remind your guests what to bring!
4). Comfort, from the inside out
Time to play a game of “what’s better” - meeting your hero or being handed a glass of mulled wine when you’re suffering early onset hypothermia. It’s the latter of course, unless your hero is Bradley Cooper.
Having warm food and drinks on offer is a sure way to keep attendee sprits high. We’re talking hot & hearty canapés, hot cocktails and even a pop-up fire pit to roast marshmallows… it’s winter, you can do what you want.
PS. Whatever amounts of red wine you’ve stocked, and 5 bottles more.
5). The 5 Senses
The secret to keeping guests happy always comes back to the five senses. Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch - if you’ve got them covered, then you’re covered.
Think about which scents create warmth such cinnamon and vanilla, which textures feel the most cosy, sounds that create the right mood, and so on. The mind is a wondrous thing - so if the five senses feel comfortable, the mind will follow. Did you know a flickering candle can provide the feeling of warmth? Truth!
