Celebrate with a Lively Virtual Team Event

CORPORATE EVENT INTERACTIVE 

Founded in 1987 by Ed Graziano, Corporate Event Interactive (CEI) is an industry leader, active in Chicago’s meeting and event community. Their experienced event team builds strong relationships with clients to create and produce programs to meet their goals and expectations. 

With specially designed activities, CEI revitalizes meetings and retreats, delivers key messages and learning objectives and adds excitement to client and employee events. Each program is unique, engaging and appropriate for groups of all abilities and professional levels.

VIRTUAL CELEBRATIONS

During the pandemic the entire event industry was forced to come up with creative solutions and in the case of CEI that resulted in many unique virtual team building activities. During this time of year, they offer six dynamic holiday and year-end virtual events, all of them can be customized with your brand logo, company info, images and more. 

HOW IT WORKS

Booking your virtual celebration is pretty simple, picking one may be harder as all six of them are a lot of fun! When we asked CEI President Linda Whitlock about her favorite virtual event, it took her a few moments to make up her mind. “Picking one is hard, as they are all a lot of fun, but the iQuest Around the World is both entertaining and educational for any team. It has a lot of fun facts and trivia about traditions and celebrations around the world, so you will definitely learn a few things while playing!” 

It only takes four easy steps to book with CEI: 

  1. Select a lively virtual team event on the CEI website
  2. Select an available date in December 2021 or January 2022.
  3. Select your time:
    • 6 am
    • 8 am
    • 10 am
    • Noon
    • 2 pm
    • 4 pm 
    • 6 pm
  4. Contact us for your special discount before December 15th at 312-540-1000 or linda@corpevent.com and mention Promo code AteemaFriend for a special discount!

Once everything is booked, the only thing left is to bring your virtual team together to celebrate with a lively game-sharing experience. 

Need more information? Please check out www.corpevent.com/remote-teams/


How AV Chicago can take the stress out of hosting an online or hybrid event

Safety is still at utmost importance as we continue to work from home and take precautions around events and social gatherings. As the vaccine numbers increase steadily, meeting and event professionals are gearing up for hosting in-person and hybrid events to bring people back together safely. Luckily, AV Chicago and partner Chop Shop have found a way to take the stress out of planning hybrid and online events. With an expert team and a state of the art facility, any planner should feel comfortable enough to explore the possibilities of hosting a hybrid event. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lsi03QuKZ0

In order to keep engagement after so much technology fatigue, a new hybrid approach may be your best option to keep attendees engaged. Not only will a hybrid event help create an exceptional experience for all your attendees no matter where they are participating, but it will also take care of your in-person hospitality needs as well. President of AV Chicago, Andrew Brode notes

“The studio will be a great asset to our client’s upcoming virtual and hybrid events. We have built a space that looks as spectacular in person as it does virtually. Coupled with our production skills and event platform, we continue to elevate what a virtual event should be.” 
- Andrew Brode, President, AV Chicago

Meeting and event planners are looking for ways to make their upcoming events stronger by using high-end production work including professional video, audio, and lighting. To produce quality online events, you need to find a good partner that can not only handle the technical aspects but also provide a scenic space that will look great on camera and in person. With only a few studios in the Chicagoland area set up for these types of events, AV Chicago’s Chop Shop studio is the premier partner for any hybrid or virtual event. 

Make it easier on yourself for your next event, and create your most engaging presentation yet! To learn more about AV Chicago’s Chop Shop Studio, visit AV Chicago.

Written by: Natalie Kokaska


Out of the Box Ideas for Kits to Accent Virtual Events

Looking to add some flavor to your next virtual event? Here are some ideas that will get everyone excited to jump on Zoom!

Crafts - Bring out your inner child while crafting something for your outer adult 

  1. Paint Your Own Wine Glass Kit:  Wine nights just got a little more interesting! Design your own glass to make what you're drinking out of more fun than what's inside.
  2. Paint by Numbers Kit: Paint like Picasso and finally fill that empty wall space with a design of your own! All you have to do is match the paint color to the numbers. 
  3. Make Your Own Charcuterie Boards: Who said crafting is all paint and glue? Turn delicious foods into a colorful masterpiece! 

Treats - These tasty treats will make it impossible to leave the event hungry

  1. Snack Magic: Satisfy all your junk food cravings with Snack Magic! Snack Magic allows you to pick your own snacks and drinks to enjoy.
  2. Branded S’mores Kit: Experience the best part of camping without the camping. These ooey gooey treats are perfect to make at home! 
  3. Wine Tasting Experiences: Get a taste of all your favorite wines!  The perfect way to add class into any event. 

Photography - Memories fade but pictures last a lifetime

  1. Baby Picture Competition: Guess who?! Send in your best baby picture and go back to a simpler time.
  2. Selfie Stick: Grab onto your selfie stick! Did it really happen if you didn't take a picture?

Competition - A little friendly competition never hurt anyone 

  1. Pot Your Own Succulent Competition: Add some more life into your plants. See who can pot the succulents the fastest! 
  2. Virtual Scavenger Hunt: A digital version of eye spy. Use your computer skills to find what is hidden!

These activities are worth talking about. Hop on these trends to make any virtual event more fun!

Written By: Megan Collins


Creating Memorable Experiences Both In-Person and Virtually

We live in a world that is fast paced and full of possibility. This can make it challenging to keep everybody interested in what you have to offer, and more importantly, interested in coming back to your event or business. Here are some ideas to make your audience feel more involved in all of your events. By continuously supplying the audience with things to do, you can make any event engaging! 

When live events come back, we will be challenged as planners to think of new and exciting ways to keep people entertained and indulged. After over a year of working from home and interacting through our computer cameras, coming back to an in-person event will feel like a very new and exciting experience that we have longed for. But with this excitement, may come new expectations. Events and meetings are a natural habitat for networking and people come to socialize with people with similar interests. Planners are already challenged to find ways for attendees to network with the entire audience both virtually and in-person. Guests tend to feel more comfortable at an event when they are familiar with the community. Construct a LinkedIn or Facebook event group where participants can have conversations leading up to the event and can continue discussions and remain active during the event. 

Just like with live events, it is very important to keep its participants engaged in virtual events. Virtual events can be tricky because it is easier to get distracted while attending an event online. Some factors to keep in mind are polling, chat, and live attendee engagement. Polling is a tool used by marketers to receive data but also increase guest engagement. Pre-event polling lets the guests believe that their interests will be incorporated into the content delivered at the virtual event and makes them more interested in participating. Pre-event polling could also be related to a gift, a catering order, or even an activity that attendees will partake in like Odyssey Team’s Virtual Team Mosaic. Engagement doesn’t start or stop when you start your zoom meeting, it starts as soon as you capture the interest of your attendee and goes through their post-event experience. 

There are several other ways to create memorable experiences at events both in person and virtually. Attendee gifts are a great way to get people excited about attending an event. People love receiving something they can take home. Sending your guests event bags is a perfect way to guarantee virtual event participation, especially if you fill the bag with something they can enjoy during the event. In the recent Virtual Planner Master Class, Garrett Popcorn introduced their new snack-sized bags that are individually packed with your favorite flavor and delivered. These bags are the perfect way to stay engaged with a snack in virtual meetings or even in-person meetings since they are safely packed and sealed. The recent Planner Master Class early registrants enjoyed a gift box shipped to them with a snack pack of Garrett Mix, NEW Garrett Simply Indulgent S’Mores flavor, and Frango milk mints which were great snacks while attending the meeting. 

Entertainers are, of course, great at entertaining the audience and driving engagement. There are so many forms of entertainment to keep audiences engaged and having fun. Some examples of entertainment are live music, DJ, comedian, guest speakers, or even a live show or performance. Entertainment is important for both live and virtual events and can be a real game changer with online programming. It can be used to make the event fun or to get your guest attention for another topic. The world famous Blue Man Group shared a pre-recorded performance for the Planner Master Class to kick off the networking happy hour.  This Webinar performance helped kick off the fun portion of the event into the networking portion and kept the participants interested.

There are so many ideas to keep audiences engaged. Knowing your audience and providing them with options is the perfect first step to any event!

Author: Megan Collins, Ateema


Using Art and Entertainment to Welcome Back Your Employees

Using Art and Entertainment to Welcome Back Your Employees

Many of us have traversed the rocky path of the last 8 months with tunnel vision, focused on the light up ahead that signals better days and a return to business as usual.  However, we can acknowledge that this journey has not been without glimmers of light along the way, provided by virtual gatherings centered around art, music, and entertainment.   The arts have both uplifted and grounded us during these trying times and continue to be the binding element that brings our communities together to tribute, network, and celebrate.

Live Art International hopes to continue this momentum by working with their clients to incorporate art and entertainment into their re-opening plans.   Their visual approach to event branding is the perfect way for companies to energize employees and signal to the community that they are open for business.   “We have 2 clients we are working with to design communal murals”, notes CEO, Dayna Malow.   “Companies are using the creation of art to signify a new beginning, with employees coming together at select times to each contribute to a unique mural being erected on site.” Music is also a cue that a celebration is in order. “ Gatherings that encourage dancing are still off the table, however, we are seeing some traction for our soloist and smaller ensembles, with adequate space allotment provided, so all can be at a safe and comfortable distance”.

Covid precautions have also become a regular part of the coming celebration plans.   â€œWe have now adjusted our artist riders to request larger set-up space and accommodations for bands and musicians, and our art engagement experiences will account for disinfecting time and more disposable single-use materials.” says Malow, “We are helping our clients rethink their event structure, designing micro-activities where larger groups are sub-divided with participation occurring at scheduled times or multiple locations, allowing for social distancing.  This approach is similar to the break out room activities we have all been participating in the last few months.”

As for the coming months, and what the light at the end of the tunnel will mean for the entertainment industry in Chicago, Malow says, “Whatever your re-opening plans may be, we hope that companies will consider including art and music.  The Chicago entertainment community will continue to struggle throughout the ramp up period.  They have played an active role in providing inspiration and encouragement to get us to this point in time.   Supporting entertainers and entertainment vendors allows them to survive another day and ensures that they will be here to provide the celebratory soundtrack when we are all truly back to business.”

Brought to you by: Live Art International


Your Production Guide To Going Online

Knowing how to move and execute an online or virtual event is becoming the new frontier, it's unknown and is constantly changing within a small period of time. Sean Denny, director of event, and production designer at LUXE productions has had plenty of experience with virtual production. Leading the charge in finding the most innovative way and techniques to keep viewers engaged, involved, and wanting more. 

Denny defines the difference between a virtual event and a hybrid event. A virtual event being that “no one is gathered together” versus a hybrid event which involves a live crowd that is then being live streamed to others. 

An important aspect about virtual events is that they “offer the least amount of options and least production value”. Were all used to putting a silly virtual background in our zoom meeting, but that level of production is no longer sustainable. 

Hybrid events have shown in the past to be the most powerful type of online event because of the fact it allows for a much higher production value. The downfall of this is that it can take weeks or months to plan out and get ready. 

Deciding which of these two are better requires businesses to look at multiple factors. Those being current regulations, will local or international guests be attending? Is the content time sensitive? What is your budget? These four factors are how a business can strategically decide what type of event to host.

But, what is next? Everyone is sick of zoom calls and it has quickly become the standard way to communicate since COVID-19 has impacted our society. The zoom trend is already dying out and is becoming a “boring” tool when trying to engage an audience for an online event. 

Jamie Grossman, president of Luxe Productions gives his thoughts on what new trends will start to be implemented moving forward. The first being augmented reality, utilizing the ability to build any kind of environment in order to engage the audience for longer. The downfall to using high quality technology to increase engagement is it has to be used correctly to be successful. “It doesn't matter how expensive the equipment used to capture an event or presentation is, if the content is not interesting it is not going to capture your audience” says Denny. Watching a computer screen rather than being there at the event is entirely different, the attention span of the viewer is significantly smaller. The solution to this Grossman says is “45 minutes tops” for a singular event to run. 


Live events may always have our heart, but virtual helps us smile right now

Things just aren’t easy now, for pretty much everyone. Sometimes it’s even tough to think about all the ways we used to be able to get together and connect only a year ago... And that’s just the baseline these days. We’re not trying to bum anyone out here, but we think about this stuff. 

Lately, if anything funny or cool or interesting does happen, it seems to be happening in the virtual world. Like, Shaq being too big for even virtual NBA bleachers. Or Shia LaBeouf smoking weed in his truck during the virtual Fast Times at Ridgemont High table read... The virtual world, and virtual events, feel light and fun right now, because they feel more natural. And to be honest, more safe. Maybe hybrid events will get there soon. We hope. But a packed convention hall is sadly not happening anytime soon.

In fact, one of the reasons we built Expo Pass was to help organizers get thousands of people into an event space as fast as possible -- not sitting in front of their webcams. Sure, we had ideas about how virtual events could change everything, but live events were king... Until the world made it clear that live events were in fact, not king… And we had our first freak out. And then we quickly decided to pivot -- to utilize the strong platform that we had already built for live events, to support virtual events in every form. Including a new attendee interface to spur engagement between attendees and sponsors/exhibitors. And we also added streaming, obviously. 

The Expo Pass platform now gives organizers the power to plan events that might be live, hybrid, or virtual, and then decide on the right format whenever it feels right. The branded registration and check-in process stays the same, and everything organizers build in Expo Pass stays intact in any event format. So switching to virtual, or hybrid, or maybe even making the leap to live one day, becomes a no stress decision. Which is what we all need right now. 

It’s hard to tell how everything is going to end up. But after a few months of this new normal, it’s clear that events still make sense. They can still be good fun. And maybe even make the day a little easier. And that’s what we want to be a part of. Now more than ever.

We would love to share some ideas and practices we have seen while helping hundreds of event planners produce virtual events. Our Zooms are always on, literally, and we’re here to help out in any way we can. To schedule a chat, please visit www.expopass.com/lets-talk.

https://www.expopass.com/lets-talk?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ateema&utm_term=ateemanewsletter

Written By: The Expo Team


What You Need to Know About #HTSOnline

The Hospitality & Tourism Summit is coming at you completely online for its 19th annual year! So, what does that mean? How can a one-day trade show full of tangible experiences pivot to an online experience?

Ateema Media & Marketing, the producers of the summit, have worked hard over the last several months of quarantine to re-imagine the next best alternative. Dubbing this new format as the Hospitality & Tourism Summit Online, all attendees will have the ability to log on and log off at their leisure throughout the week.

The goal for the Hospitality & Tourism Summit is to bring together all industry friends after months of disconnect. The week is built for everyone to pick and choose their own pathway/schedule based on their interests, prior commitments, etc. Ateema has made this "pick and choose" format possible as they will be uploading the recordings of all of the webinars after they are presented live for attendees to watch on-demand. As well, attendees will have access to the trade show floor until next year's summit. They want all attendees to maximize their attendance but also be strategic with the programming you choose to attend live, because you can!

Keep on reading for some common misconceptions about the Hospitality & Tourism Summit Online and how you work around them:

Common Misconception #1: That you have to be online the entire week.

You do not! You can log on and log off based on what is on your personal agenda is each day. It is recommended that you choose a couple of opportunities to attend live each day. The summit has programming that is as short as 45 minutes. Even the longest sessions don't exceed 90 minutes.

Common Misconception #2: If you don't attend everything live, you won't be getting your ticket's worth.

So wrong! All educational sessions will be recorded and placed online for you to view at a later time that works better for you. The trade show floor will be live until April of 2021 so you can go back in at any time and keep browsing all of the exhibitor booths.

Common Misconception #3: Virtual networking is boring and awkward.

Not anymore! The Hospitality & Tourism Summit virtual networking events will be using a lifelike and user-friendly networking software that requires no prior setup on your part. Simply, click a link to enter the networking rooms, "walk-up" to any table, and join the conversation. If you aren't into the conversation or want to find some new people to talk to, leave the conversation just as easily! Live entertainment will also be provided during networking events.

Common Misconception #4: I am furloughed/out of work right now so this won't bring me value.

Switch your mindset! This is the PERFECT time for you to get involved if you are not currently working. At a time when many people in our industry are looking for solutions, trends, timely topics, and predictions for the future, you can say you were a part of those conversations! This is the time to invest in yourself.


CDC's Advice to Planners

Meeting planners have been thrown a few curveballs over the past few months to say the least— from cancelled events and now new restrictions on in-person events. As we continue to adapt to COVID-19, it is crucial that meeting planners are up to date on the latest advice from the CDC in regards to hosting safe in-person events. We know you have many questions, and we are hoping to provide you with some answers based on guidance from the CDC. 

How do you plan for an outbreak at an event?

The first step in planning an event in the COVID-19 era is by developing an emergency plan well before the event. The CDC recommends designating “an administrator or office to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. All staff and attendees should know who this person or office is and how to contact them.” Be sure to speak with local health officials about the event and have plans in place such as flexible refund policies for those who do not attend the event because they are not feeling well and plenty of supplies such as masks and hand sanitizer. 

How do you prepare staff for the event?

Staff should be trained on all safety protocols. Virtual training is ideal to avoid contact with others, but if in-person training is necessary, make sure social distancing is possible. Consider using the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers for guidance.

How many people can attend the event?

The CDC does not have a limit on how many people can attend an event, but be sure to check state and local policies on event capacity. Make sure there is plenty of space for event attendees to socially distance at all times, and consider an outdoor space as it is often easy to keep people spread apart and provides better ventilation than an indoor setting. Another way to limit the number of people at an event is by having entry times for staff and attendees.

Do attendees need to be tested for COVID-19 before the event or should their temperature be taken?

Testing all event attendees and staff is not recommended. Temperature screening and questionnaires asking attendees and staff if they have symptoms, have been in contact with anyone known to have the virus, or if they have travelled recently is recommended as long as it does not invade privacy.

How do you make sure attendees social distance at the event?

Hosting smaller events in larger spaces is one way to keep participants spread apart. It also helps to use designated entrances and exits to keep people from running into one another and use signs to indicate which direction guests should be walking. Avoid lines at places like bathrooms or registration areas. Techniques such as online check-in before the event can help to shorten lines and speed up the registration process. If lines are ever necessary, be sure to have signs and markings on the floor to remind people to keep six feet apart.

What can staff and attendees do to limit the spread of COVID-19 at the event?

Be sure that staff and attendees stay home if they are not feeling well as a first step in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Once at the event, be sure handwashing stations and hand sanitizer are easily accessible and that staff and attendees are utilizing these resources often. All staff and attendees should wear a face covering, especially it is not as easy to stay six feet apart from others. 

What is the proper way to sanitize the event space before, during and after the event?

High touch surfaces such as door handles, sinks, drinking fountains and hand railers should be sanitized at least daily or as much as possible during the event. Other shared surfaces like countertops should be disinfected between uses. A cleaning schedule indicating what needs to be cleaned and when can help ensure that proper sanitation occurs during the event.  EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 should be used, but make sure there is proper ventilation so toxic vapors are not inhaled.

How do you safely distribute food at the event?

According to the CDC, “Avoid offering any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, salad bars, and drink stations. Consider having pre-packaged boxes or bags for each attendee.”

What do you do if someone develops COVID-19 symptoms at the event?

Immediately separate anyone who develops symptoms at the event and provide them with clean disposable face masks. Close off all areas and disinfect anything the person with symptoms was in contact with. Contact local health officials about the potential case and be sure event attendees and staff are aware of possible exposure to COVID-19. Anyone who was in close contact with the potential case should also be separated. 

How do I know if it is appropriate to cancel the event or not?

If the event space is not going to accommodate social distancing and it is not possible to find a larger space, it may be necessary to cancel the event or move the event online. If a large number of attendees are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, it may be necessary to cancel or encourage these participants to not attend the event. If there is an outbreak in your community or in communities in which many attendees are coming from it may also be necessary to cancel. Ultimately, be sure to consult with local health officials when making this decision.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Written By: Kelly Pawlak


Top 6 Tips for Adding Value

Call it a blessing in disguise but, meeting and event planners have gotten to use their creative side when hosting virtual programs. This has mainly come in the form of video conference systems like Zoom, Microsoft Meetings, Skype, and more. While a virtual event seems pretty straight forward, transferring a sponsor’s or attendee’s benefits to a virtual platform is maybe not-so-straight forward. In this article, we are going to give you our best tips for adding value to your stakeholders, a lot of which are from our very own Virtual Planner Master Class. This Master Class brought together some of the brightest minds in meeting and event planning to help discuss these issues and come up with some amazing solutions. 

  1. Classes and tutorials: Online classes and tutorials offer great sponsorship opportunities and real value to event attendees. Things like cocktail mixing classes, cooking classes, or craft classes will allow your event to be more relaxed and provide real benefits to participants. 
  2. Digital sponsor ad placement: While banners and physical sponsorship apparel may seem longer lasting attendees’ minds, online banners can still make a huge impression during webinars and virtual events. Staying as a static or changing montage of banners, these can bring in more value to sponsors and your event. 
  3. Sponsor entertainment breaks: Many more online meetings and events have begun to utilize breaks in order to give attendees a chance to stretch their legs and grab another cup of coffee. During the break, you could host a small concert or another unique form of entertainment that could feature sponsors’ products and services. Or, simply have a screen with sponsor logo exposure that is displayed during the break with background music. This is an easy and fun way to build value around virtual events. 
  4. Educational opportunities: A great way to retain sponsorship value in an event is simply by educating attendees through quick company overviews and how they relate to the topic at hand. Tying in a sponsor to your event’s overall theme or mission would allow them to stay even more relevant in the minds of your audience.
  5. Integrated chat features: Specialized chat room features during, in between, or after presentations can allow your event attendees to get more involved and actively participate with other members. This doesn’t only make meetings more fun, but it also builds a level of trust and participation among people who may be more apprehensive to network from behind a computer screen. Sponsors could also be added to this feature to bring in more value. 
  6. Online games centered around rewards : Another great way to spend an online break or happy hour is to host games like trivia or team-building exercises. These will be sure to get everyone to relax more and increase participation among attendees. Sponsors could send out prizes to winners or create questions that are centered around their brands. 

Written By: Colin Jay