THE FORUM GROUP – Sydney Event Management Company

In last weeks blog, we discussed the powerful potential of scent marketing in events and exhibitions; including examples of scent strategies, how different scents attract different target audiences, and how these scents can be delivered. We decided that this week it would be beneficial to share with you some specific case studies of companies that have successfully implemented the use of scent marketing, to inspire and motivate you to incorporate this significant and powerful trend in your future event marketing strategies.

First United Door Technologies Inc. – This garage door manufacturer wanted their new all-steel door (that was carved to look as if it was made of pine), to have the same natural scent as it’s woody and very popular, red-cedar door. In order to achieve this, the company hid numerous tree-shaped, pine-scented car fresheners around the product display. The smell was so authentic, that attendees gathered around, inhaling the scent, rubbing their hands over the door and then holding their fingers up to their nose – thinking that the doors themselves were producing this alluring scent! The smell was extremely popular with the demographic of males generally 40 and older. Positive emotional responses of being outdoors, mowing the lawn and hiking, meant that attendees couldn’t resist lingering around the display and finding out more about this captivating product!

Purdue Pharma LP – This pharmaceutical company often prescribes aromatherapy to many of it’s exhibition attendees. Therefore it seemed natural to create a signature scent that would create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. A small in-house group tested 20 various scents, such as fresh-cut grass and lavender, with the favourite resulting in being a spa-like scent that suggested the ocean. Due to the positive emotions associated with childhood experiences at the beach, the scent was so popular it increased dwelling time of attendee’s by 40% and is still used as a signature scent in the company’s exhibition stands today!

Czarnowski Inc. – This company faced the problem of having a small exhibition stand at Exhibitor 2009 during the economic recession. However, rather then let this hold them back, Czarnowski decided to make a powerful impression by using the scent of a meadow and honeysuckle to draw in their delegates (a scent that is a favourite of both genders). Once they got the attention of the delegates, they kept them their by holding a smell IQ test. Attendees were asked to smell different scents and say which brands they associated that particular scent with. This tactic proved successful with delegates spending an estimated 25% more time in the booth than the previous year, and almost 400 attendees going home with a fragrant giveaway (scent sticks and a sachet of the brands scent – to help delegates remember them!)

We’d love to hear your comments about this topic, or alternatively if you would like us to organise a scent strategy for your event, email us at laurenh@theforumgroup.com.au.

Science indicates that in terms of engaging our senses, human vision has exactly three receptor genes, and taste has five. But…did you know that the sense of scent has an astounding 350 odour-receptive genes?? It appears that nature has designed us to be highly responsive to the power of scent…yet majority of brands’ communicate with their customers through audio or visual mediums.

Martin Lindstrom discusses this issue in his book ‘Brand Sense: Build Powerful Brands Through Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight and Sound. His research suggests that “Smell influences about 75% of the emotions we generate everyday”. “With the right smell, you can create an emotional and extremely deep relationship between your brand and your customers.”

There are some industries that are currently using scents- such as hotels, casinos, restaurants and shopping centres – however the use of scent in events and exhibitions, is only just beginning to make an appearance. However, with there now being at least 100 scent-consulting companies, serving a $500 million market, it is unquestionably a fast growing and significant appearance!As majority of events are about relating a customer to a brand/product or creating an emotive/connecting experience. It is no wonder that event organisers are starting to catch on to this multi-million dollar trend.

So what are some examples of different scent-stategies?

Billboard smell – Saturates a space with a scent that extends well outside it’s area. For example the smell of popcorn or onions that can be smelt aisles away. This will be sure to draw your delegates in.

Thematic smell – These are smells that compliment the mood or décor. Think day spa’s. This will assist in making your delegates feel relaxed and in a welcoming environment.

Ambient smell – This type of smell is much more functional and used to cover other bad scents that may effect the atmosphere of your event. Similar to a restroom air freshener.

Signature smell – Individual scents that are developed specifically for you or your brand. The idea is, when delegates smell this particular scent, they will automatically associate it to your brand or a particular experience. For example, Palazzo Versace – Gold Coast has a distinct signature oil scent when you walk into their lobby.

How can different scents attract different target audiences? Here are a few examples of what various demographics respond to, based on gender and age:

Males – like the smell of new cars, tires, grass, pine, wood and apple crumble.
Females – like floral fragrances, vanilla, lavender, musk and sweet scents.

18-35 year olds – enjoy bubble gum, coffee, baby powder and axe-like colognes.
36-50 years – respond to chlorine, suntan lotion, crayola crayons and play-doh.
51 and over – like grass, trees, ocean, snow and wood scents.

So how do you deliver the scent?

Nebulization – The most common and effective method. A fragrant oil is run through a mechanical device and dispersed in the air as tiny particles.

Dry-Air scent delivery – The fragrant oil is embedded in a cartridge and a fan blows the scent around. This is the cheapest option, but delivers a less accurate scent.

Ionization – Applies an electric charge to the fragrant oil that breaks it into tiny particles. It is then distributed by airflow. This method is the most expensive.

Finally, Rutgers University study indicates that people are 14% more likely to make a purchase in an area filled with a pleasant scent, and Information Age indicates that customers may be 40% more likely to linger in an area with a desirable scent.

Studies also indicate that while 50% of people can remember something they saw three months later, 65% can recall something they smelled for as much as a year afterward. Don’t you want to make your events memorable?

It’s time for event management companies to follow their nose and smell the growing potential of scent-marketing.

We’d love to hear your comments about this topic, or alternatively if you would like us to organise a scent strategy for your event, email us at laurenh@theforumgroup.com.au.

Sustainability is here to stay. So what information do event planner’s need to know before making the commitment to ‘Go Green’? Read on to find out what TFG’s top 5 suggestions are:

1. Many shades of Green
First of all, you need to understand that there are many shades of ‘green’. i.e. people have different expectations of what exactly classifies as ‘green’. While one client may be satisfied using recycled paper, another may demand an entire stage set built of sustainable material. Ensure that you do your research and understand what ethics and values are important to your client or key stakeholders, and ensure you are able to meet their needs.

2. People are not mind readers
If you make the decision to go green, you need to make it known! Be sure to include this fact in your event marketing. Show your stakeholders what you are doing to be more greener and how being more sustainable is of value for them! But make sure you follow it through. According to The Drum, 81% of consumers place more importance on what companies actually do rather than what they say.

3. Prices of premium green products are decreasing
A major obstacle for most companies in the past has been the extra cost associated with these green products. Well good news is, there are already some green products cheaper than the alternatives – such as branded paper products. A 2009 Mintel survey forecasts 19% growth for green products by 2013 based on this factor, making your goals to go green more affordable and attainable.

4. Be aware of the benefits
There are various benefits associated with going green. Some of these include;
- Reduced environmental impact
- Cost savings
- Competitive advantage / promotional benefits
- Stakeholder satisfaction
Bottom line – going green has economic, cost saving, environmental and social benefits.

5. Process makes perfect!
When going green it is important you establish commitment. Develop realistic guidelines / objectives (eg. all of our events for 2010 will use recycled conference bags) and communicate these promises to your staff and stakeholders.

In summary, it is a known fact that the events industry is often criticised for it’s tendency to create waste. Therefore it is inevitable that the issue of sustainability is becoming more than just a trend for our industry, but rather a necessity.

It seems that green is the new black.

By going green, you are not only ensuring the longevity of our planet, but also that of our profession.

The media feeding frenzy around the newly released Apple iPad has finally reached critical mass as the device was unveiled to the masses today in San Francisco. Some people love it for features like the USD $ 499 entry-level price tag while others are disappointed to learn the device lacks a camera.

So how will the event industry benefit from the iPad? Well until we actually physically touch it and use it (which won’t be for another 3 months) , we’re relying on the information provided around the iPads features. Here are some of our thoughts.

1. Proposals and presentations – with a ten hour battery life, you don’t need to worry about setting up power or fiddling with internet connections.

2. Exhibition stands / displaying products – the iPad produces exceptional quality images. The touch screen makes it easy for scanning through various images like an interactive brochure.

3. Showing client stings/ opening videos – the video interface is just like the iPhone’s video interface, with options for bookmarking, fast-forwarding, rewinding, etc. Oh, and it plays video in HD.

4. During committee meetings – If something needs to be researched, you can easily pull out your iPad and access the internet immediately during your meeting.

5. Site inspection – Google Maps runs on the iPad just as it does on the iPhone, but of course larger and clearer. This could be a handy tool at your next site inspection!

Now the big question is…can’t the good ole laptop do all this already? The answer is Yes! but in their usual fashion, we’re sure Apple will make the iPad, the iWant product to have because it will just look and feel that much flashier.

Check out the Apple iPad demo here and explore it’s features and scope for use in your business or industry.

When you want to have a great event, but you have to do it on a shoestring budget, you need to find ways to cut your expenses. The first thing Event Organisers will need to do is figure out what your budget is and what you need to do to make a profit/margin. It is very easy to stray away from your budget, but you need to make sure that you stay on track and keep your budget in a positive.

Here are a few ideas when creating an event on a shoestring budget.

1. Recognise in which parts of your events you can cut costs, and in which parts you cannot. Eg. venue
must be paid, but perhaps you can find a cheaper alternative for the centrepieces?

2. Try and find volunteers that can assist you pre-event and onsite.

3. Shop wisely. You will want to try and find bargain any time that you can.

4. Sponsorship is a great way to increase your income, so you can have more money to spend on the event. This should be planned 12 months in advance if possible.

5. You need to find a venue that is inexpensive and is in a great location.

6. Offer guests refreshments and canapés but not a three course meal.

7. Advertising can take up a big part of your event planning budget. You will want to try and get your event promoted however there are so many mediums which are free or inexpensive such as local newspapers, magazines or using the internet. You can also create invitations and flyers in-house using programs that you have.

8. Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate – everyone is willing to go lower

9. Ask for support from your industry/ community.

Take a look at many of the other tips we’ve featured in Forum Group’s 25 page FREE EBook for download for all event organisers.