By following a recent discussion on ‘what makes the perfect event website’ within the Event Planning & Event Management LinkedIn group, I have picked up a number of useful tips regarding the essential elements that must be included. The discussion has had over 100 comments so far from leading event professionals and I have organised them into five key areas.
1. Basic Details
A number of people commented on how frustrating it can be for attendees when the basic details of the event are buried somewhere within the website and not easily accessible. Important information including, the event date, time, location, ticket price and who to contact if they have any questions should be available at first glance at the webpage.
2. Programme & Attendee List
The subject of the event programmes being the most important factor in a person’s final decision on whether to attend the event or not, was frequently mentioned. This was followed by the event attendee list. Many professionals revealed that besides the great food and fancy venues – the event programme is the reason they attend! They need to be inspired by the speakers/workshops/sessions and know what benefits they will gain. They also need to believe that the value gained will outweigh the costs associated with the event. Therefore, it is essential for a websites content to provide a clear programme of events outlining the benefits to the target audience and make it accessible at first glance.
3. Venue Location & The Surrounding Area
It’s common knowledge that a large amount of pre-event anxiety is caused by planning travel arrangements and locating secure parking facilities close to the venue. This can be avoided by including something like Google or Bing maps in the event website along with directions to the venue form all the city’s major access points. This will allow people to relax and look forward to the event without any unwanted hassle!
Symphony’s event website creator automatically inserts the venue location map when creating a venue page.
Another useful tip I picked up from the discussion, was including some information about the local leisure attractions within the area. After reading about the event programme, often the factors which give the people who are sitting on the fence that final push to the registration page, are the other things they can do while they’re at the event. What leisure attractions are there nearby? Can they bring their partners and children? A useful element to include on an event website is a local tourism page.
4. Online registration
Another important part of an event website is the facility to incorporate online event registration and also accommodation reservations within the same page. This allows the attendee to calculate the total cost of the booking with greater ease. Online registration provides customers with the most efficient process in signing up for the event.
Symphony Event Management Software enables you to provide your attendees with a simple registration process inclusive of accommodation reservations.
5. Pre Event, Event & Post Event
The event website should not stop at the pre-event information. It should also include content for during and post event as well.
Pre-event videos seem to be a popular topic for event websites at the moment. Video is seen as a key tool for interaction. A short event video can include information covering the purpose and benefits of the event along with some testimonials from previous events of a similar nature.
Social media platforms can be utilised during the event by way of tweeting and updating Facebook statuses throughout. Interaction amongst attendees and non-attendees can be stimulated through the event website.
Post-event content can also be added to the website including testimonials, pictures, videos and feedback functions. This will provide you with useful evaluation data and also be used for the promotion of future events. Let your previous events sell your future events!
Why not learn how to build your website and manage your event registrations in Symphony with greater ease and efficiency by requesting a demo. Or call me for more information on 0114 279 4990.