THE FORUM GROUP – Sydney Event Management Company

From incorporating a new form of entertainment to producing an innovative ‘one of a kind’ large scale event experience – event managers are always looking for new and innovative ideas to make your event stand out.

By doing so, you are providing your delegates with something that they might not have experienced before, something that your competitors probably haven’t offered before and something that is guaranteed to get people talking – and remembering your event for a long time to come!

So what are some examples of fun, innovative and creative ideas that are  guaranteed to leave this lasting impression? Read our 5 quick suggestions below:

1. Growing Gifts - Environmentally friendly gift ideas. Why not give someone the gift of a tree? (www.growinggifts.com.au)

2. Chocolate Prints – Take chocolate to a new level! Print high resolution images or logos on your delegate treats that are 100% edible – your delegates will be sure to thank you! (www.chocolateprints.com.au)

3. Paper Tiger Products - New and exciting sustainable products that are Australian designed and made, re-usable, recyclable and brandable. Showcase your corporate social responsibility by using some of these products at your next conference. (www.papertigerproducts.com)

4. Brad Blaze – The speed painter who painted his way to the top of the event entertainment industry. If you want dinner entertainment that’s a little different to your standard jazz band, then check this out. It’s guaranteed to keep your audience captivated. (www.bradblaze.com.au)

5. Adrenalin Adventures – Provide your delegates with an experience of a lifetime. With over 2000 adventures to choose from – ranging from massages to V8 car racing – you are sure to find something perfect for your next event!

Do you have any event ideas you would like to share? From small gift ideas to big sustainability ideas – we’d love to hear your thoughts on how to make your next event stand out.  Leave a comment below.

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.