Published on

Mar 2023

◗◗5 Event Planning Tips to Make Your Next Event a Success

4 min. read

Making your event a success

Did you know that event marketing offers a better ROI than other marketing channels? According to Splash report, 52% of CEOs believe so. However, event planning can be stressful, especially when things don’t go according to plan. But with the right event planning tips, you can attract people to your event and make your event a success. In this article, we’ll share the top five event planning tips that can make all the difference, from early preparation to using badge scanners. Follow these practical steps for Event Planning to make your next event a success.

Top Event Planning Tips

Here are the top five event planning tips that potentially turn your event into a success.

Early Preparation

The most crucial part of event planning is to start preparing for it as quickly as possible. Only robust and timely preparation can help you ace the lead capture process effectively and turn those leads into loyal customers.

If a large audience of 500+ people is showing up, you should prepare for it 2-3 months before for professional arrangements. Even if there are fewer than 500 attendees, you should give yourself at least a month to handle everything robustly.

Have a Goal

Business events are not fun gatherings where you listen to some music, eat good food, and go back home. These are serious affairs, so you should have a purpose before planning for them.

Do you want to boost your brand awareness and attract new customers? Do you want to show your latest line of products? How many attendees do you want to engage? You must answer such questions to ensure your event turns out to be successful. These questions should be quantifiable. For instance, if you’re planning to introduce a new product lineup, tell yourself that you want 100 people to show 5 of your new products.

Having specific goals before planning business events can help you stay focused, stand out from your competitors, and capture more leads.

Identify the Audience

Setting a goal initially is also essential because it helps you determine your target audience for the event. Or, you can set the event’s goal based on your selected audience.

Regardless of the sequence, gather as much information on the attendees as possible, from demographics to product preferences. Doing that makes it easier to follow up with them later through emails and other avenues.

Diversify your Marketing Strategy

Without proper marketing, your event is destined to fail. You must inform your audience about event details while taking an audience-centric approach. For instance, if you’re planning to reveal your new product lineup, don’t tell the audience about the products. Instead, inform them that you’ve something that will make their lives easier.

Once you have perfected your marketing message, now it’s time to spread it all over the marketing platforms. Don’t just rely on email or any other single source. Create social media posts, deliver emails, engage with previous customers, add website announcements, and even create newsletters to maximize your event’s reach.

Creating a Budget for Your Event

This is one of the most crucial event planning tips. It should be evident that arranging a business event will cost you money, and sometimes a lot of money. After all, your budget is one element that will dictate multiple aspects of the event. There is no need to come up with a very rigid number, but having an outline of the expenses can go a long way.

Some of the most significant considerations in this regard are:

Venue: Venue is also important in the budget and overall success of your event. The rental costs for your booth are the most significant part of your expense here, but having a virtual event can save you this cost.
Marketing: Effective marketing is crucial for the success of your event, so pick the proper channels and platforms for promoting it.
Contingencies: Set aside 10-20% of total expenses to cover any surprises in your journey.

Lead-Capturing Technology— Wrap-Up

With these event planning tips, you can set the direction for its success.

On top of that, you can take the effectiveness and appeal of your business event to the next level using state-of-the-art lead-capturing technology. The attendees at your event are potential lead sources, and you can capture their information using badge scanners.

momencio is the solution that comes in handy here. It shows your attendees’ activity on all of your websites, making our holistic system quite effective in converting leads to customers. These holistic insights into potential customers’ behavior help you prepare for your next move and stand out in a crowded market.

Schedule a demo today!

12 Lead capture best practices with actionable use cases

Every event professional has been there. You leave an event feeling optimistic, armed with a long list of leads. But as you sit down to follow up, reality sets in. That “promising lead” was actually a casual browser. The person who seemed eager to learn more? Turns out they were only there for the free swag. It’s frustrating. And it’s also a sign that you’re probably asking the wrong question. Instead of “How do we get more leads?” the better question is: “How do we capture the right leads—and do it in a way that makes them excited to hear from us again?” 79% of event attendees say they would pay more for informative events that are also meaningful or transformative experiences. The truth is, capturing leads isn’t just about tactics; it’s about intention. It’s about creating moments of real connection at events and using those moments to spark conversations that last well beyond the closing bell. In this article, we’re going to dive into what makes a lead valuable, the steps to capture them effectively, and 12 lead capture best practices you can start using right now—each one paired with a real-world example so you can see how it works in action. Ready to stop collecting contacts and start creating opportunities? Let’s go. Who can be considered a potential lead? Not all event attendees are created equal, and that’s okay. The magic happens when you know how to spot the ones who matter most—the leads with the potential to actually move the needle for your business. But here’s the catch: potential leads don’t always wear name tags that say, “I’m ready to buy!” A lead is anyone who expresses genuine interest in what you offer or has a problem your product can solve. It’s not just the people who stop to chat at your booth. It’s the ones who linger nearby, watching a demo or flipping through your brochures. It’s the person who scans your QR code during a session or clicks on a link in your event app. But identifying leads is about more than observation. It’s about asking the right questions. Are they part of your target audience? Do they have decision-making power, or are they influencers in the buying process? What challenges are they facing that your solution can address? Once you start filtering attendees through this lens, your focus sharpens. You stop chasing anyone who happens to walk by and start engaging the people who actually want to hear from you. The bottom line: a lead isn’t just someone who gives you their contact info. It’s someone whose needs align with your expertise—and who’s open to a conversation that could turn into something bigger. Learn […]

Sales Enablement, Event Management, Event Tips, Lead Retrieval

How to capture smarter notes in CRM at events?

Events, such as business conferences and trade shows, can be a goldmine for gaining new clients or customers if you meticulously track the leads you meet and diligently record your interactions and observations as notes in CRM. Yet, salespeople often struggle with keeping these potential leads up-to-date. For instance, if a salesperson didn’t have time to enter notes in CRM because they had to catch a flight, they would miss out on capturing valuable contact information. Neglecting to enter notes in CRM after an event leads to missed opportunities to grow the business and can negatively impact a company’s bottom line. But why does this happen? Let’s explore the reasons behind this struggle with notes in CRM and how addressing it can enhance your business growth. TL;DR: At events, entering detailed notes in your CRM is crucial for effective lead management. Documenting key interactions and attendee insights helps sales teams personalize follow-ups and ensures no valuable lead information is lost, improving conversion chances. Why effective note-taking in CRM matters Effective note-taking in a CRM isn’t just a routine task; it’s the cornerstone of successful sales and event strategies. Without it, teams miss vital details, waste time on redundant conversations, and lose out on opportunities to engage meaningfully with leads. A CRM enriched with clear, actionable notes transforms how teams work, collaborate, and close deals. It keeps conversations relevant Every interaction with a lead carries potential—if the details are captured. Imagine a prospect mentioning a specific challenge they’re facing, but your team forgets to record it. By the next call, that vital context is gone. Taking notes in CRM systems ensures key information is preserved, enabling your team to deliver precise, tailored follow-ups. It ensures team-wide alignment Your CRM should be the single source of truth for your entire team. Whether it’s sales, marketing, or customer success, everyone can access detailed notes to understand where a prospect is in their journey. This alignment fosters collaboration, prevents communication gaps, and speeds up the sales cycle. It strengthens pipeline forecasting Good notes aren’t just for immediate actions; they offer valuable context for forecasting. Notes like “client evaluating options until next quarter” or “budget freeze until Q3” provide actionable data for accurate pipeline management. Without this context, sales forecasting can become guesswork. It improves follow-up precision Studies show that 80% of sales require five or more follow-up touches. Notes help sales reps pick up conversations seamlessly, referencing past interactions to build trust and credibility. No more generic follow-ups—each one becomes targeted and relevant. Notes in CRM systems transform everyday conversations into measurable outcomes. By prioritizing detailed, consistent note-taking, teams gain the clarity they need to deliver results that matter. Is your CRM platform complicated? […]

Lead Capture, Event Management, Event Success, Event Tips

What makes a great event lead capture system?

Lead capture is the backbone of successful event marketing. Research shows that 68% of marketers struggle to measure ROI effectively due to inadequate lead capture systems. Without the right tools, businesses risk losing valuable opportunities to turn event attendees into customers. This blog post will dive deep into the role of an event lead capture system, highlighting its importance, key features, and practical tips for implementation. By the end, you’ll understand how to transform your event leads into tangible business outcomes while optimizing your event’s ROI. What is an event lead capture system? An event lead capture system is a tool or platform designed to efficiently collect, organize, and manage information about event attendees who show interest in your brand, products, or services. Unlike traditional methods like business card exchanges, modern systems leverage technology for speed and accuracy. Key features of an effective lead capture system: Badge scanning: Instantly retrieves attendee data by scanning event badges or business cards. Real-time data sync: Updates leads into the CRM system or lead databases immediately. Customizable forms: Captures additional insights based on your business needs, such as buying intent or industry type. Offline capabilities: Ensures data collection even in areas with poor connectivity. Engagement tools: Includes gamification or surveys to gauge attendee interest levels. Manual vs. automated systems While manual lead capture methods can work, they are prone to errors, inefficiencies, and delays. Automated systems eliminate these issues by providing real-time analytics and streamlined workflows, making them indispensable for maximizing event success. TL;DR: A robust event lead capture system is essential for converting prospects into clients. Learn how using tools like badge scanners, mobile apps, and CRM integration can streamline data collection and ensure timely, personalized follow-ups that maximize sales opportunities. The importance of a robust event lead capture system Capturing leads at events is a critical aspect of any event marketer’s job. However, the question that arises is – are we doing it efficiently and effectively, and how important it is to have a robust event lead capture system? In this blog post, we will explore the pain points of event lead capture and discuss the importance of having a solid lead capture process in place. We’ll also offer insights and tips on how to create a lead capture system that will help you maximize the ROI of your events. Here’s why implementing a robust event lead capture system is no longer optional—it’s essential: Enhancing lead quality Segmentation by interest level: A robust system allows leads to be categorized based on engagement, ensuring your team focuses on high-quality prospects. Data enrichment: Tools like AI-driven platforms can provide deeper insights into attendees, such as demographics and past interactions. Streamlining attendee experience Eliminates long […]

Lead Capture, Event Management, Event Success, Event tool, Lead Retrieval

10 Lead capture hacks to 2x your event ROI

Lead capture is the lifeblood of successful event marketing. Every interaction at a booth, presentation, or networking session holds the potential to generate a meaningful lead—but only if captured effectively. Despite this, nearly 40% of event marketers report challenges in converting attendee interest into actionable leads. This article unveils 10 innovative lead capture hacks that are revolutionizing event strategies. From gamified engagement to real-time lead scoring, these techniques empower marketers to transform casual attendees into qualified leads. Whether you’re an event planner, exhibitor, or marketer, these hacks will equip you with the tools to maximize ROI and engagement at your next event. Let’s dive into the cutting-edge strategies that can redefine your event success. Why innovative lead capture strategies matter Trade shows and in-person events are where opportunities come to life. They are the spaces where businesses showcase their products, attendees network, and meaningful partnerships begin. However, the difference between a successful event and one that underdelivers often boils down to one factor—lead capture. Capturing leads is no longer about stacking business cards or gathering a generic email list. It is about leveraging innovative strategies to create valuable connections and meaningful engagements. The transition from traditional methods to modern, technology-enabled approaches is not just a trend—it is a necessity. The evolution of lead capture at events The journey of lead capture has shifted significantly. Manual methods like exchanging business cards or filling out paper forms were once standard. While these methods still have a place, they cannot keep up with the fast-paced environment of modern events. Today, tools such as badge scanners, digital forms, and real-time data tracking have redefined what it means to capture a lead effectively. These tools do not just simplify the process; they ensure that no opportunity slips through the cracks. For example, exhibitors using digital badge scanners can instantly gather attendee details, saving time and allowing their team to focus on meaningful interactions rather than administrative tasks. Why high-quality leads drive better outcomes Not all leads are created equal. High-quality leads—those who are genuinely interested in a product or service—are far more likely to convert. Innovative lead capture strategies help businesses filter through the noise, ensuring that their follow-ups are focused on the right people. For example, businesses that implement attendee segmentation and lead scoring systems report a 25% increase in follow-up efficiency, according to recent industry data sourced from event tech reports. With the right tools and strategies in place, you are not just capturing leads; you are capturing opportunities for growth. The role of technology in lead capture innovation Technology is the driving force behind the transformation of lead capture at events. It allows exhibitors and attendees to connect in smarter, more meaningful […]

Lead Capture, Event Management, Event ROI, Event tool, Lead Retrieval

How the best lead capture apps can help exhibitors track these 5 crucial metrics

For exhibitors, the success of an event hinges on more than just setting up a visually appealing booth or engaging with attendees. It’s about measuring and analyzing the right metrics to ensure your time, resources, and efforts translate into meaningful results. Yet, many exhibitors overlook critical performance indicators, relying instead on vague impressions of how well they did. Without precise data, how do you know if your event investment paid off? How do you identify your most promising leads, assess booth engagement, or plan better for future events? That’s where the best lead capture apps come into play. These powerful tools streamline the process of collecting, analyzing, and leveraging event data, helping you make informed decisions and maximize ROI. In this article, we’ll uncover the five must-track metrics that can make or break your event’s success. We’ll also explore how the right lead capture app can simplify tracking and transform your event strategy. Whether you’re aiming to capture qualified leads, optimize engagement, or measure ROI, this guide will equip you with actionable insights to achieve your goals. Let’s dive into the essential questions every exhibitor should be asking and the data-driven answers that can elevate your event outcomes. What makes event metrics vital for exhibitors? Measuring success at events goes beyond intuition or surface-level observations. Metrics provide exhibitors with a clear, data-driven view of how their efforts are performing and what adjustments are necessary to improve outcomes. Without them, even the most well-executed booth setup can fail to deliver tangible results. Tracking event metrics is essential for several reasons: Justifying investments: Events often require significant resources. Metrics help demonstrate the return on investment to stakeholders and identify areas where spending yields the most value. Guiding future strategies: With clear data, exhibitors can refine their approach for future events, whether it’s booth layout, attendee engagement tactics, or follow-up strategies. Prioritizing leads: Not all leads are equal. Metrics help pinpoint which contacts are worth pursuing based on their level of engagement and fit with your target audience. Improving attendee experiences: Metrics like booth traffic and attendee feedback can uncover ways to enhance engagement and satisfaction, making your events more impactful. Unfortunately, many exhibitors either track the wrong data or fail to capture it altogether. Relying on assumptions often leads to missed opportunities and poor ROI. By adopting tools like lead capture apps, exhibitors can simplify and optimize the data collection process, ensuring no detail is overlooked. When metrics are tracked effectively, they become a roadmap to better decisions, greater impact, and higher revenue. 5 key metrics every exhibitor must track #1 How many leads did your team capture? Capturing leads is one of the primary goals for exhibitors, but the volume of […]

Lead Capture, Event Management, Event Tips, Event tool, Universal lead Capture AI

Universal lead retrieval lets you capture leads at events without API fees

Capturing leads at trade shows and conferences is essential for driving sales and nurturing long-term customer relationships. However, the cost of lead capture solutions can be prohibitive. Many event organizers require exhibitors to use event-specific APIs to access attendee data, which often come with hefty fees and complex integration requirements. This not only adds to the overall event budget but also slows down the sales process, as lead data can take days or weeks to fully integrate. With universal lead retrieval, however, event marketers can sidestep the costs and complexities of API fees while still capturing quality leads. Designed to work seamlessly across devices and platforms, universal lead retrieval captures attendee data in real-time without the need for event-specific integrations. And with momencio’s AI EdgeCapture, AI lead enrichment solution, businesses can take this efficiency a step further—using advanced tools that enhance data quality, enrich leads, and drive higher ROI. What is universal lead retrieval? Universal lead retrieval is a streamlined lead capture system that collects attendee information at events without relying on event-specific APIs. Unlike traditional systems that require integration with each event’s platform, universal lead retrieval works consistently across events, reducing dependency on custom setups or additional fees. For event marketers, the value of universal lead retrieval lies in its simplicity and scalability. This solution is particularly beneficial for companies that participate in multiple trade shows or industry conferences annually. Rather than facing unique lead capture challenges at each event, marketers can use one reliable system that adapts to any event environment. With tools like AI EdgeCapture, data captured through universal lead retrieval is enriched, processed instantly, and ready for follow-up, ensuring no time is lost in transferring leads to the sales team. According to Statista, the global event technology market is projected to grow, driven by innovations in lead capture and event management solutions. This growth underscores the demand for affordable, efficient tools like universal lead retrieval, which empower businesses to enhance their lead generation processes without incurring excessive costs. TL;DR: Universal lead retrieval systems streamline the process of collecting attendee data across different events. These systems ensure data consistency, CRM integration, and real-time follow-ups, enabling better post-event engagement and higher conversion rates. Benefits of universal lead retrieval over traditional event APIs For companies looking to capture leads at events, the benefits of universal lead retrieval extend far beyond just cost savings. Here are some of the key advantages: Cost-effectiveness: Event API fees can add up, particularly when attending multiple events. Universal lead retrieval removes these fees, making it more accessible for businesses of all sizes. Simplicity and speed: Unlike traditional integrations that require setup time, universal lead retrieval is plug-and-play, allowing companies to start capturing leads […]

Event Tips, Trade Show

Grow at the next expo event in the USA 2025

2025 is upon and your next expo event will bring you face-to-face with a lot of prospects. now everyone know that 1:1 interactions are the best way to close a business. You can cold-call a million times over, but it’s about as useful as throwing spaghetti at the wall. This means when you’re exhibiting at an event, it’s all the more reason to understand how you’re measuring the success of an event and how you can drive the best results. So, here are a few tradeshow tips to generate more buzz at your next show: TL;DR: Elevate your performance at your next expo with these five strategies: design an eye-catching booth, use interactive technology, engage attendees through social media, offer incentives, and follow up effectively. These tactics will help you attract more visitors and generate quality leads. 1. Set up meetings with your hottest prospects You can’t guarantee you won’t be busy if someone just randomly stops by your booth. It’s important to set a scheduled time so you can have some uninterrupted conversation and give your prospect the attention they deserve. 2. Sponsor a speaking engagement Much to the point above, booth attendance is a gamble at best. If you have a specialized knowledge base that can improve your reputation as a thought leader in your industry, this is a great gateway to target your prospects. Share your best practices or dive into a real-life case study to attract decision-makers and influencers in your space. 3. Create an enhanced tradeshow booth experience We know sponsorships can be pricey – and depending upon your speaking experience, #2 may not be your preferred way to engage potential clients. That shouldn’t stop you from finding a more personal way to connect. By creating a more interactive booth, you’re not just asking people to stop by. You’re inviting them in. Whether event attendees are playing a game or making a movie on a green screen, this is your opportunity to build your relationship with them. Take full advantage of that. 4. Ditch the paper takeaways and go digital. It’s 2018, so please, not another tradeshow. Is anyone else surprised we still have to mention this? Yet, here we are. The constant directive to “go green” obviously missed the event circuit. And forget for a moment being eco-conscious just for the sake of it. Printed marketing and sales materials give you exactly zero insights into prospect engagement. Meanwhile, digital materials can provide a wide array of information based on the system you use to track them. And lucky for you, we know a thing or two about that. 5. Host a live demo. Let’s assume you’ve done everything right and foot traffic at your […]

Event Success, Event Tips, Sales Enablement

High-conversion lead strategies for event success in 2025

The missed connections section on Craigslist amusingly highlights a universal truth: humans often falter at seizing the moment. This hesitancy isn’t restricted to personal encounters; it extends into professional realms, particularly at events where the stakes for generating leads are high. Even the most adept marketing and sales professionals, those who navigate trade shows and networking events with apparent ease, can leave feeling they’ve missed out on opportunities. TL;DR Generate solid leads at events by using interactive booth experiences, real-time engagement tools, and personalized follow-ups. These top strategies help you capture high-quality leads and improve post-event conversion rates, ensuring your events deliver measurable business results. So, how can you elevate your performance at events to ensure you’re capturing every potential lead? Here are eight strategies to fortify your event lead-generation tactics: High-conversion lead strategies: 8 proven tactics for event success Securing high-quality leads at events is essential for maximizing ROI and fueling long-term growth. Let’s dive into high-conversion lead strategies to help you capture interest, nurture relationships, and convert attendees into loyal customers. Below are eight robust strategies to generate high-conversion leads at your next event. 1. Optimize pre-event marketing for targeted leads Attracting high-conversion leads starts well before the event. High-conversion lead strategies rely on targeted marketing that attracts attendees most likely to be interested in your offerings. Begin by defining your ideal customer profile and creating personalized email campaigns, social media ads, and website content that appeal to their specific pain points. Pre-event webinars: Host a pre-event webinar addressing common challenges in your industry. This allows you to identify engaged prospects early and further personalize your engagement strategies. Custom landing pages: Drive traffic to a dedicated event landing page optimized with keywords like high-conversion lead strategies, which not only improves SEO but also highlights your event presence. 2. Create engaging in-booth experiences A standout booth with interactive elements captures attention and encourages meaningful connections. Here are effective ways to engage visitors for better lead quality: Interactive demos: Showcase how your product or service addresses specific challenges with real-world use cases. Event tech tools for engagement such as VR or touch-screen displays help deliver memorable experiences that increase lead conversion potential. Gamification: Add a gamified element, such as a quiz or interactive contest, which taps into in-booth engagement strategies and keeps visitors interested. Make sure to gather contact information as part of the activity to add these leads to your follow-up list. 3. Train your team on high-conversion techniques Your team should be well-versed in capturing high-conversion leads. Training on specific high-conversion lead strategies equips them to spot and engage ideal prospects. Lead scoring in real-time: Develop a scoring system that identifies hot leads based on engagement, questions, and […]

big data, momencio, lead capture - Taming the Beast: Your Event and Big Data

Big Data, Event Management, Event ROI, Sales Enablement

How big data drives success and ROI for events in 2025

Big data got you feeling down? We totally get it. But it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. The days of not knowing what to do with your company’s data post-event are gone (hallelujah). Now, we’re speaking a different language—the intelligent use of data through real-time analytics—allowing event professionals to once and for all retire the notion that interaction has to end when an event ends. As Gartner, the world’s leading technology research and advisory company states, “Big data is high-volume, high-velocity and/or high-variety information assets that demand cost-effective, innovative forms of information processing that enable enhanced insight, decision making, and process automation.” So, let’s think. Why are the three-V’s of big data (volume, velocity, variety) important to your company? And how can harnessing them help you determine event ROI? TL;DR: Managing big data from events can be overwhelming. This guide explains how to organize, analyze, and leverage large datasets to gain insights into attendee behavior, optimize lead follow-ups, and drive better event outcomes. What is big data for event marketing? Big data for event marketing refers to the vast volume of information gathered from various event-related sources—such as attendee demographics, behavior, preferences, and interactions—used to enhance marketing strategies, increase attendee engagement, and boost event ROI. The concept goes beyond simple data collection; it involves analyzing large datasets to uncover trends and actionable insights that can drive strategic decision-making. In event marketing, big data includes multiple data sources, like real-time event analytics, engagement tracking tools, registration data, feedback forms, and social media activity. For instance, event marketers can track patterns in attendee engagement, determining which content or sessions were the most popular or which digital experience platforms for events contributed to the highest interaction levels. This helps tailor future events more effectively, as organizers can focus on high-performing elements that are proven to attract and retain audience interest. Big data also encompasses predictive analytics, a powerful tool in event strategy and optimization. By analyzing historical data, marketers can predict attendee behavior, set realistic goals, and prepare proactive engagement strategies. For example, if past data shows high interest in hands-on demos, marketers can allocate more resources to interactive setups, knowing this tactic aligns with attendee expectations. In this way, predictive analytics enables high-conversion lead strategies by anticipating and preparing for attendee needs. For exhibitors and sponsors, big data offers insights that enable high-quality lead capture. By analyzing attendee profiles and engagement history, marketers can segment leads based on factors like industry, budget, and interest level, ensuring follow-up communications are personalized and relevant. This segmentation is particularly effective when using CRM systems integrated with event data, enabling effective CRM usage at events to track, score, and prioritize leads. Another core component […]

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◗◗5 Event Planning Tips to Make Your Next Event a Success

Making your event a success