Would you like to get some ideas for hosting a recognition event? I highly recommend hosting such events as a way to honor and thank key people.

I recently attended such an event, and it was so well-planned and orchestrated that I wanted to tell you about it. TAB Focused Directions, a franchise of The Alternative Board, hosted this terrific event. Laura Drury is the CEO of this company, and Steve Drury is the president. They are co-owners, as well as facilitators and business executive coaches.

Quoting from its website:

“The Alternative Board (TAB) helps business owners and leaders confidently see new opportunities and achieve their strategic goals. We offer busy entrepreneurs a powerful, streamlined program that includes peer advisory boards, one-on-one coaching, workshops, expert speakers, robust business tools, and invaluable TAB connections.”

In the photo accompanying the blog post, Laura is in the center. Debra Robinson of Centennial Revenue Management is on the left, and I am on the right. Based on my impressions of this event, here are my tips.

 

Recommendations for Hosting a Successful Recognition Event

  • Select a date, time and location that work well for you, those you are recognizing and others attending the event.
  • When selecting the location, be sure there is easy-to-access parking that is close to the event venue. Use signage, if possible, to direct people from the parking area to the event.
  • A few weeks in advance of the event, send a “save the date” email. Continue to send reminder emails right up until the day of the event.
  • Make a special point of letting the honorees know well in advance about the event so they can plan to attend.
  • Invite your clients, referral partners and others who you would like to attend. These events are wonderful networking opportunities, which is great for all the attendees.
  • Provide plenty of refreshments, beverages, and seating. I liked the location that Laura and Steve chose, the Denver South Venture X co-working space. It was very classy and had an excellent setup.
  • If the owners of the venue are present, give them a few minutes to tell the attendees about the venue.
  • If an award ceremony is part of the event and is relatively simple, conduct it about 45 minutes to an hour into the proceedings.
  • Be sure to acknowledge others on your company or organization’s team. Even if a team member or honoree can’t attend, still mention them.
  • Tell the attendees a bit about the person or company being honored. Explain what they did to merit your recognition.
  • Be sure to take plenty of photos and/or videos to document the event and to share on social media.
  • Follow up as needed with everyone who helped to plan the event and thank them for their contributions to it.

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those ages 55 and older, to become more comfortable using social media, particularly Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

She works with business owners, business development professionals, leaders of nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.