In a previous article we talked about the advantages of catering on-site social events at the end of an all-day meeting. So now let's examine the other side of the coin -- reasons you might consider hosting your end-of-day mixer or other social event for your Bay Area event at an off-site location.
One of the main benefits of switching venues at the end of the day is psychological. Your guests have just spent all day at the meeting site, attending panel discussions, participating in small groups or seminars, and generally keeping their brains in business mode. By transplanting them from that location, which they've come to associate with work, into a whole new space dedicated purely to fun and relaxation, you're essentially giving them permission to let their hair down, chat and have a good time. The lack of agenda allows for a looser, less structured environment in which participants and organizers can get to know each other better and talk about things other than the meeting itself.
Of course, if you just move everybody from one hotel ballroom to another, you aren't likely to achieve a real change of scenery. That's why you should consider a totally different space -- one quiet enough for conversation, soothing enough to allow people to wind down after their all-day meeting, and yet stimulating enough to inspire new kinds of interaction. An art gallery or museum can provide the perfect setting for drinks, light snacks and fascinating things to look at and talk about. It's a great way to say, "Okay, we're done with the meeting, and now we're just having fun."
Here at Events Etc... we're happy to help you plan an off-site social event to complement your all-day meeting. Let us make your "post-event event" a memorable one!
