First Posting

So my initial reaction to this course is "wow, there are way too many things to keep track of when planning and executing an event". It seems really overwhelming. Just listing the things in class, combined with even more things that have come up in reading the text, has been scary. It seems to me that planning events takes an amazing amount of organization (lists) and forethought.

I'm not entirely new to the event planning field, as I've run front of house for theatre premieres before, planning and organizing an opening night reception and working with the director to create the overall experience of arrival/admissions. I've also planned activities and events at work for my international students, ranging from luncheons and halloween parties. Reading all of this material makes me reflect back on my motivations and goals in planning and executing those events, and the numerous things that I never even thought of!

As I wrote about on blackboard in a posting, I'm most intrigued this week by the idea of experiential events and the use of touchpoints with clients. I'm reminded of the free Charmin public restroom in Times Sq that the company used as a marketing event last holiday season. My friend dragged me there because it was such a cool experience, and there was plenty to see/do while waiting in line for the restroom. Charmin was presented through video, dancing staff members, photo ops, and a person in cuddly bear costume, as a fun and comfortable brand. The entire event left me with such a great impression of the company that made me want to buy their product just to thank them for the use of the restroom, and the experience!

But I also wonder if experiential events may be a big turn off for some people who are more shy or who view it as "too much". I can think of certain experiential events I have visited with my mother that she has really enjoyed, but I also know that some experiences would intimidate her or turn her off from a product. I think knowing the client, specifically their demographic should be kept in mind. I also think that in creating the experience, a difference between "wowing" the customer and intimidating or confusion the customer needs to be remembered. Touchpoints are great, but if they become too touchy, you may alienate some people.