Corporate event planners are now facing a new challenge as the workforce continues to evolve: how to engage the millennial generation in corporate events. While many events may be considered mandatory, like team-building sessions or presentations, it’s important that attendees are excited to show up and participate, especially in the non-mandatory events. Optional conferences, networking events, and even galas largely benefit from the presence of the largest segment in the workforce, millennials, and so we’ve compiled a list of strategies to make your event irresistible to millennials!
Focus on networking & collaboration
Meaningful and authentic interactions are more important to millennials than traditional networking, so it’s important to focus on opportunities for collaboration and fostering natural connection. Rather than a formal networking session, focus on collaborative workshops, small group discussions, and even seemingly unrelated events that can get your attendees talking. From a design side, incorporating lounge areas or other more casual set-ups can encourage more organic conversation.
At our Oakville venue, we have extensive experience hosting corporate events. We can arrange flexible seating options to promote collaboration and offer break-out rooms for private workshops and small group discussions.
Create an Instagrammable environment
This tip is especially crucial when you’re hosting a more elevated event like a corporate gala, fundraiser, or end-of-year holiday party. Millennials spend a lot of time on social media and have become visual storytellers - so if you create an aesthetically pleasing event space with stunning decor, branded backgrounds, and interactive installations, your attendees are more likely to snap a photo to commemorate the evening. This not only promotes your brand and event publicly, but also promotes it internally by attracting even more attendees from your company.
Our venue is super versatile, giving you that modern blank slate you need to build your aesthetic corporate event in successfully!
Incorporate technology & interactivity
Tech-savvy features are the key to attracting the younger generations to your corporate event. Features like event apps, interactive polling, and social media integrations are especially appealing to millennials. And when paired with an aesthetically designed space, your event is sure to be a success.
You can consider using break-out rooms for immersive experiences, sitting up a digital photo booth, and even offering hybrid and virtual options for those who can’t attend in person.
Offer experiences, not just information
When planning your corporate event while keeping in mind attracting millennials,
In the digital age, information is readily available, and millennials are less likely to attend an event just to sit through a series of presentations. Instead, focus on offering experiences that are immersive and engaging. Consider activities such as hands-on workshops, gamified elements, or even virtual reality experiences. These kinds of events create a memorable and impactful experience that millennials will want to be part of.
At our Oakville venue, we can help design customized experiences that blend entertainment with business objectives, ensuring that your event is both productive and enjoyable.
Hosting a corporate event isn’t just about offering a space for your coworkers - it’s about showcasing your company values, interests, and expectations. Attracting the millennial generation to your event is crucial in creating a successful event as they make up such a larger part of the modern workforce.
Work with an experienced venue
Your corporate event may have many goals, but if one of them is attracting the millennial generation, then the best thing you can do is work with a venue that’s experienced in hosting corporate events of all kinds. We’re skilled at hosting every type of corporate event, from small meetings to large galas. Our team is very experienced in bringing corporate events to life and are skilled at navigating the unique challenges that corporate events come with.
By catering your event to millennials, you’ll be attracting the largest segment of the workforce and ensuring that you hold a successful event. Let us help you bring your event to fruition! Contact us today to learn more about corporate events at our banquet hall.