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Businesses rely on events to market to their audiences. They need to speak about their latest products, services, or projects – whatever requires their attention at the time.

But going to a commercial conference is nothing like a gig (or, at least, not usually). So, for that reason, it can be hard to get people excited.

The good news is that you don’t have to follow the rest of the businesses in your industry and put on a dry, uninspiring show. You can afford to live a little more dangerously and get your audience pumped. Here’s what to do:

Have Fun

The number one rule when hosting a business event is to have fun. You want to make it seem like you’re having a good time. Even better, actually have a good time. Your authenticity will shine though and other people will come along with you for the ride.

To add an extra layer of enjoyment and engagement, consider incorporating unique elements like personalized items. For instance, you could order your personalized Magic 8 ball for your event, which can serve as a fun, interactive tool to break the ice or add a playful twist to the occasion. Other ideas might include customized giveaways or themed decorations that reflect your brand’s personality, making the event both memorable and enjoyable for all attendees.

At the end of the day, you need to create an atmosphere that encourages interaction and creativity. So, consider organizing icebreaker games or team-building exercises that align with your event’s goals, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants. Remember, a relaxed and engaging environment often leads to more productive networking and meaningful connections. As such, allow each presenter to let their personality shine. Don’t read everything off cue cards, and don’t pretend that you’re having fun when you’re really not.

Mirror Them

Mirroring is an important concept in human psychology. It’s where you do back to your audience what they’re doing to you. Perhaps the best example is to clap your audience back if they are clapping you. Just applauding them as you walk onto the stage can have a powerful effect because it shows confidence and it makes them want to like you.

Create Direct Eye Contact

When there are a thousand people in a room, it’s hard to make direct eye contact with each of them, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. The trick here is to simulate eye contact by finding a point at the back of the room and focusing your eyes there. When you keep your eyes fixed in a particular spot, it gives the audience the impression that you’re really looking at them, even if they are off to the side or at the front. Try to avoid looking around all over the place: that doesn’t work.

Challenge Them

Another popular technique at business events is to challenge your audience. You can do this by getting them to remember something, immersing them in exciting games, or adding a dose of suspense to proceedings.

Be More Emotional

Human beings react strongly to emotion. If you’re fired up, your audience will be, too.

This is one of the reasons why motivational speakers, such as Tony Robbins, spend so much time backstage just pumping themselves up and getting ready for the performance. They know that the more energy they have in their own bodies, the more they will communicate to the people around them.

Respect The Audience

Lastly, you’ll need to consider event security. Respect your audience by making sure that everyone feels safe. Take the time to post security so that if you are hosting a large event, you can protect everyone there.

Avoid bringing thousands of people into a large room without any support. As the numbers rise, so too does the likelihood of an incident.

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