Re-Imagining Event Sponsorship
When COVID-19 disrupted all large-scale gatherings across the nation, the tradeshow industry came to a screeching halt, along with opportunities for live face-to-face interaction between colleagues and consumers.
When COVID-19 disrupted all large-scale gatherings across the nation, the tradeshow industry came to a screeching halt, along with opportunities for live face-to-face interaction between colleagues and consumers. In early March, countless gatherings were either postponed, moved to a virtual platform or cancelled altogether, leaving the convention industry in uncharted waters. While transitioning to virtual meetings seems to be the most popular alternative for Associations, many industry leaders agree that a computer screen is no substitute for the connections made during an in-person experience.
Keeping the Connection
As a Board Member of the Healthcare Convention & Exhibition Association (HCEA) and owner of Crêpes á Latte, a business that creates in-booth brand experiences, I knew I had to help find a solution. In the spirit of resilience, my team and I put our collective imagination to work to find a way to create an engaging experience for virtual meetings. That’s when #BetterTogether Boxes were born! BTBs are custom-tailored care packages designed to deliver messages of positivity and motivation to their recipients. Whether the goal is to strengthen relationships with your clients or let your staff know they are appreciated, there are several themes to choose from and every box can be customized and branded to fit your unique occasion.
Event Sponsorship Ideas
HCEA was one of the first associations to incorporate #BetterTogether Boxes into their virtual programming. The organization’s annual conference, HCEA Innovate, was designed as an educational forum and networking opportunity for industry professionals to meet and share ideas. This year was the first time Innovate was presented in a virtual format.
In the absence of a face-to-face networking event, which usually follows a busy day of sessions, I decided a virtual happy hour would be a great way to inspire conversations while engaging attendees. Prior to the event, Crêpes á Latte safely shipped 100 #BetterTogether Boxes directly to attendees’ homes. Each vividly packaged box was filled with delicious snacks, a personalized note and ingredients for attendees to enjoy sparkling lemonade or build their own margarita during their virtual happy hour (tequila not included).
During the virtual happy hour, I along with several other moderators led engaging, discussions in breakout rooms of 20 attendees. Together we created an interactive experience where attendees shared their favorite quarantine stories, indulged in their tasty treats and raised their glasses together from a distance.
To learn more about how our #Better Together Boxes can foster virtual engagement, go to crepesalatte.com/bettertogether!
About HCEA:
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) is a trade association representing organizations united by a common desire to increase the effectiveness and quality of healthcare conventions and exhibitions as an educational and marketing medium.