Marketing Events in 2024

Welcome to the dynamic world of marketing in 2024! In this ever-evolving landscape, launching a new event or navigating the impact of AI on your job requires a strategic approach. Buckle up as we dive into the exciting realm of marketing trends, effective strategies, and the game-changing role of AI.

Marketing a Brand New Event

The Devil is in the Details

Embarking on the journey of marketing a brand-new event? Unleash the power of uniqueness! Begin with attention-grabbing information that leaves your audience curious and hungry for more. Save the logistical nitty-gritty for later and focus on what makes your event unmissable.

Google is Your Superhero

Structured data through coding or using a service like Eventbrite will help land your events high on Google. That way when people simply search for current events in your area, your event will be listed at the top. Rise above the noise and give your event an opportunity to shine!

Tap into Your Network

Networking at other events to build relationships and invoke interest in your own event is a simple and easy “boots on the ground” way to get your message out. Also, don’t forget your existing network of friends, family, and coworkers—let them amplify your event’s reach.

Pro Tip: Create a checklist for event promotion across platforms to leave no stone unturned. If you see an event somewhere, write where you saw it and use it in your own marketing strategy!

How do I track the results of my event?

Face-to-Face Tracking

Engage directly with your audience at the event. Ask them, “How’d you hear about this event today?” One-on-one interactions are golden for gaining valuable insights.

Digital Tracking: Tell Tale Signs

Monitor the metrics on event day. Did your website traffic surge? Were calls and email inquiries off the charts? Leverage hashtags and QR codes to make online tracking a breeze. Set up these mechanisms well in advance for a seamless tracking experience.

Survey Says

We all love a good survey! Don’t we? Surveys are a great way to gather after event data, but they tend to not garner a ton of response. Consider offering a giveaway with your survey to get more hits.

Pro Tip: Purchase a new domain or create a new URL exclusively for event attendees. This will give you complete accuracy when determining which hits came directly from your event. 

Have No Fear, AI is Here

AI is a game-changer with untapped potential. Explore its prowess, especially for small budgets—let it assist in writing, editing, and organizing data. Embrace AI for brainstorming; throw ideas into the mix and witness the innovation. As we navigate the generational shift in the workforce, AI bridges the gap, alleviating shortages and enhancing efficiency.

New Trends in Marketing

Continuing to bridge the gap between offline and online marketing remains of the utmost importance. Crafting a strategy that seamlessly integrates both realms is key. Traditional and digital marketing should always both be a part of the conversation. Prioritize quality over quantity in your content, and opt for soft calls to action for maximum impact. Lead time is your ally—plan projects with a buffer that can adapt to change. And always remember, gratitude goes a long way in building lasting connections.

In the ever-evolving world of marketing, staying ahead means embracing innovation and adapting to trends. Whether you’re orchestrating an event, navigating AI’s impact, or exploring the latest marketing trends, the key is to stay agile, creative, and open to possibilities. Here’s to your marketing success in 2024 and beyond!

To see what’s new in event technology, visit our blog.
To see how Heroic Productions can help make your brand’s story shine, contact us.

The Future of Event Tech

If you’re in the events industry, you know that event technology is the heartbeat of every conversation. But let’s not just have tech in the room; let’s make it dance! Embracing both form and function is the key. Wondering how to infuse that tech magic into your event? Well, the experts have some playful and futuristic ideas for you!

Lit Check-ins: Sparking Event Excitement with LED Welcome Bliss!

Why shouldn’t you shock attendees right from the jump? Try surprising and delighting with an LED check-in table! However, it’s not just for check-ins; turn it into your bar or silent auction showcase. With LED panels there are limitless design possibilities, from colors to flashy designs, you can truly make it your own.

Starlux Arbors and Archways new in event tech

Arching into the Future: LED Arbors Steal the Spotlight!

Archways and arbors are classic, but here’s a twist – LED archways and arbors have just stepped into the spotlight! Perfect for speakers, panelists, and, of course, selfies and step-and-repeats. Light up your event with this new tech, making it a focal point that shines.

See-Through Event Tech Magic: Samsung’s Transparent MicroLED Screen Unveiled!

Transparent LED screens have been around, but Samsung just dropped a bomb – a new transparent microLED screen! Display content on a transparent background up close, creating a 3D, hologram effect. With higher brightness and less impact from ambient light than traditional OLED panels, it’s a game-changer.

#EventGoals: Infusing Social Media Buzz with Interactive Hashtags!

How about making your attendees the stars of the show? Create a catchy event hashtag and display social media content on the screen. Bring up attendees’ videos and images, keeping the energy high and interactions buzzing throughout your event.

Elevate Your View: Trolley Cameras for Capturing Event Awesomeness!

Capture the magic from above! Cameras and GoPros on trolleys overhead your venue are the latest craze. Perfect for marketing and pre-planning, these cameras capture the entire room, giving you a comprehensive view of the entire venue and event!

Event Tech Pro Tip…

Now, here’s a pro tip: while new tech is a blast, make sure you’ve got a solid AV company by your side. Chat with them before you book a venue. They’ll guide you based on your vision and help infuse the right tech to bring that vision to life. Happy event planning! 

To help infuse the best tech into your next event, contact us.
To learn more about Heroic’s newest technology offering, visit this blog.

Heroic Productions Spends a Day at Raise + Arrange 2024

Picture this: a chilly January 18, and the Heroic Productions squad descended upon Glasshouse in Minneapolis for the stellar Raise + Arrange 2024 event hosted by Do Good Events. Our CEO, Account Manager, and Marketing maestro joined forces with 80 other event enthusiasts for the afternoon, turning a frosty day into an epic experience.

The theme of this event was “Back to the Future of Events.” The venue transformed into a neon dreamland, with vibrant pinks and purples filling the space. The eye catcher? An LED check in desk courtesy of Full Swing Productions! The festivities kicked off with networking, delectable charcuterie from Chowgirls, and Kombucha sampling thanks to J’s Kombucha. Even Minneapolis local Surley Brewing Co. showed up with some swag and giveaways for attendees.

As the clock struck 1:30 p.m. everyone took their seats at round tables to get cozy with other event wizards. Once our table got acquainted with each other, the conference kicked off. In three hours, this event packed in a treasure trove of knowledge.

Raise + Arrange 2024 with Heroic Productions

Build a Million Dollar Fundraising Event

First up was Fundraising: Building a Million Dollar Event. Two members of The University of Minnesota Foundation, Nick Engbloom and Brittany Minke, took the stage to give us their genius tips for building a million dollar fundraising event. From building strong donor relationships to slightly altering ticket prices, these panelists were filled with a myriad of brilliant ideas!

PR/Marketing for Your Next Event

Next in line was PR/Marketing: Tips and Tricks, which included panelist Ben Theis, CEO of Skol Marketing. The hot topic – trying to bridge the data gap between offline and online marketing. The advice? Continue to mix traditional and digital marketing like a blender. Bring both to the table for conversation. Our pro tip takeaway: create/purchase a separate URL or domain for your event attendees. This way you can directly link web traffic to specific events. Genius, right?

Let Tech Bring You Into The Future

Cue drumroll for The Future of Event Tech, Heroic’s sweet spot! Ed Raeker, the brain behind Starlux, a new tech startup, wowed us with LED archways that can transform your event with illuminated geometric designs. Did we mention the LED check-in desk? Impressive stuff!

The New Age of Mobile Bidding

Then, it was time for mobile bidding, brought to you by the day’s sponsors, OneCause and Auction & Event Solutions. They make bidding and collecting donations a breeze, ensuring your fundraising event is smoother than a well-choreographed dance.

“Fundraise Awesomer” with Patrick Kirby

Donors, Sponsors… and Everything Else! Enter Patrick Kirby, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Founder of Do Good Better Consulting. He hit the stage with contagious energy, reminding us that it’s the little things—like engaging your donors—that truly elevate fundraising events to awesomeness.

The Alignment of Past, Present, and Future

Last but certainly not least, the sensational Heather Boll took us on a journey with Learning from the Past, Living for the Present, Planning for the Future. Heather left us with pearls of wisdom and the courage to conquer the year ahead.

The Raise + Arrange 2024 day wrapped up with a networking happy hour, courtesy of the delightful Brasa Rotisserie. As we indulged in Brasa delights, sipped our drinks, and mingled with fellow event enthusiasts, we left with newfound knowledge and friendships. What a day!

To learn more about what’s new in event tech, visit our blog.

To see what Heroic Productions can do for you, contact us.

Marketers’ Community at Heroic Productions for Transformation Talks: Creating Authenticity, Purpose & Fulfillment in Your Career

On a frigid January 16 afternoon, Heroic Productions lit up STUDIO15 with the warmth of Marketers’ Community. This time taking the stage was Marketers’ Community founder, Laura King, with a keynote on creating authenticity, purpose and fulfillment in your career.

As 100 marketers filed in from the cold, they were met with light bites and refreshments including an NA bar dedicated to Zero Proof Collective and cofounder Jen Gilhoi. Flavorful NA beer and wine options for dry January? Count us in! Marketers drank and were merry as they networked with their fellow mavens at Heroic branded cases that were converted into makeshift cocktail tables! Inventive? We thought so!

Eager to get started, the crowd was ushered into STUDIO15 for the main event. As they entered to take their seats, they were met with an enveloping sea of gorgeous blue and green illumination. Then, the anticipation soared as Kitty Hart took the stage to introduce Heroic, followed by the excited Abby Kelsey introducing Marketers’ Community and Laura King.

Marketers' Community in at Heroic Productions for Pursuing Your Purpose
Marketers' Community in at Heroic Productions for Pursuing Your Purpose
Marketers' Community in at Heroic Productions for Pursuing Your Purpose

How Did Laura Learn to Pursue Her Purpose?

Most of the faces in this crowd knew the illustrious Laura King, but few knew her story. She begins with a tale of the heartaches she suffered in 2023. From a stellar $900,000 sales year in 2022 to a humbling $35,000 in Q1 of 2023 – Laura had faced setbacks. Yet, in those moments of challenge, Laura found enlightenment.

Laura’s mantra? “To inspire, educate, motivate and love as many people as possible.” She reshaped her focus using three key competencies: gifts, passion, and values. But how do we grasp these? Through awareness, attitude and action. If you know your gifts, passions and values, and follow the three A’s, thus you are living in your purpose. 

However, we know this is easier said than done. Here’s a checklist to kickstart your journey:

Gifts

1. Awareness: Do you know your gifts?

2. Attitude: Do you honor your gifts?

3. Action: Are you using your gifts?

Passion

1. Awareness: Do you know your passion?

2. Attitude: Do you honor your passion?

3. Action: Are you pursuing your passion?

Values

1. Awareness: Do you know your values?

2. Attitude: Are you being honest?

3. Action: Are you living by your values?

Finally, once you understand these three competencies, evaluate what is getting in your way, and align all three – congratulations, you’re living your purpose!

The crowd broke off into groups to discuss how they can better find alignment to live in their purpose. After hearing from a few audience members, you could say the room was inspired.

Afterwards, coats were donned and the Minnesota winter beckoned, a new energy filled the air. Armed with Laura’s wisdom, marketers stepped out, ready to embrace their purpose.

Curious about how we can add a sea of color to your next event? Contact us.

Read about what event tech you could be adding to your next event here.