b'planning tipsbeyond the status quo to ensure theirvalue, and not just there to organization, partners and sponsorsfill a bag and be tossed make an impression.out or forgotten.Social media is such a big thingIn the pursuit of now that youve really got to thinksustainability, every about how your logos, signs and otheraction counts. branding materials will look online,That includes says Strauss. People are going to besmall changes taking pictures from the audience andlike swapping out posting them to their feeds, so youdisposable bags have to consider how your logos andfor reusable totes, signage look online and if they can bedoing away with plastic easily seen.sheathing for lanyards Making branding material moreor re-using badges from visible may require additional audioone year to the next. It also and visual elements. The good newsencompasses larger shifts such as is that going bigger with brandingreplacing paper-based materials (e.g., doesnt always mean breaking programs, directions, promotional the bank.literature) with digital alternatives, You dont have to spend a millionincluding websites, downloadable dollars, says Strauss. Before an event,apps or other digital channels. True, well have those conversations withinvesting in a conference app or AVs about what our clients are tryingwebsite comes with its own costs, but to achieve, and a couple hundredthese can be offset with sponsorships dollars will often go a long way. and the cost savings associated with leaving paper and printing services off SUSTAINABILITY the list. AT THE FOREFRONTThe trend toward greener, lessWE ALL NEED A REMINDERwasteful events motivates planners toOne of the most important event rethink everything from where theyessentials may be information itself. source their materials to what canAfter years of virtual events or noStrauss. That means having good be recycled, reused or left out of theevents at all, its understandable thatinstructions for anyone taking the plans altogether. meeting and event stakeholders havepodium or, for exhibitors, making sure Were really focusing on qualityforgotten what it takes to navigate ayou practice putting up your booth over quantity these days, offerslive, in-person show. before the big show. You might be Strauss. Sometimes that may meanTo that end, it helps to ensuresurprised what youve forgotten over bringing in less to give away as apresenters, MCs, hosts and organizersthe past couple of years.sponsor or show organizer. It may alsohave the information they need, whenThe main message is were all mean being more targeted as to whothey need it. remembering how to do our jobs from youre giving them away to. EitherWere all doing so many things forthree years ago, so have patience and way, theres a movement to makethe first time, so dont assume peopledont take that previous knowledge sure whats being given to guests is ofremember how things work, saysfor granted, he concludes.Con-cation (noun):WORD ORIGIN a conference + a vacation1.when you attend an event & stay for a fun adventure2.what happens when you book your event at the VICC1.866.430.6338 viconference.comFall/Winter 2022CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 9'