What would an event look like if it took into account attendee comfort and circadian rhythms? Smart Meetings Elevate Experience at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, set out to demonstrate event design modeled on human behavioral science. Return on Enjoyment was achieved by embracing the romance of the destination and adding thoughtful touches at just the right time.
Peak Moments
Cognitive science shows that in the blur of travel, events can quickly fade into a blur of hotels, buffet lines and lanyards. Only by focusing on delivering emotional impact during peak moments will the messaging, connections and memories stay top-of-mind.
After being delivered in executive sprinters from the airport by Joshua Worldwide, a warm welcome in the VIP Luxury Registration Lounge featured massage chairs, tech therapy featuring Dahlia El Gazzar, thoughtful gifts and snacks. First impressions set the tone for the entire event. Allowing guests to bypass the general hotel check-in to receive their room keys, badge and hot chocolate bombs, was a soft landing.
Read More: Smart Tech: No Vanilla Event Ideas
Offering something substantial to talk about paves the way for meaningful interactions. Interactive accountability pledges and a keynote from ALHI CEO and President Michael Dominguez connects the dots between global statistics and planner realities, making conversations easier and lodging statistics such as increasing ADR and stabilizing F&B prices in the memory banks for the next hotel negotiation.
Nothing brings people together like a dance floor. EVA entertainment talent platform brought the groove and an instant poetry performer to the opening reception at Grace by Nia in Foxwoods.
The movement continued the next morning with a Sunrise Rave. DJ Amani Roberts got everyone moving to wake up the synapses before sliding into appointments with awakened mental states. A 7th inning stretch break in the middle of the day was a welcome reset.
Another peak moment came that evening with a command performance by Stephen Kramer Glickman, the star of Big Time Rush in the studio where Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen was filmed. Madison Entertainment specializes in booking high-end talent for corporate events that fits the theme and culture of the organization. The photo opportunities and behind the scenes looks at the dorm rooms and confessionals seen on the television show were recorded for year-end highlights all around.
For true peak end impact, a surprise visit by African penguins from Mystic Aquarium was a moment of delight that brought a reminder of the plight of the endangered species and how hosting a dinner there after hours could advance recovering while endearing warm hearts.
Smart Meetings always ends with a reminder that we are all winners and we belong here.
In Memory
People will forget so much that happens at an event. They are busy and life and work are stressful. But they will remember how you made them feel cared for from start to finish.
