Here at Event Essex, we believe strongly in providing a good service to all of our clients and delegates. Set in the beautiful grounds of The University of Essex which hosts students from over 130 countries, Event Essex is always striving to promote event inclusivity.
We’ve put together some top tips when planning an event to ensure our clients and delegates feel comfortable.
Feedback
The most valuable way of ensuring past mistakes are not repeated is to ask your audience directly! Wherever possible, obtaining feedback from your customers will ensure you can adhere to your target audience’s expectations next time around.
Communicate
Sometimes one of the biggest mistakes event planners make is to fail to communicate all event information clearly. If certain areas of the venue aren’t accessible for wheelchair users, just be open about this and make sure event attendees are aware before the event.
Event planners should have key contacts that can liaise with them and support them with their pre-planning so that on the day all delegates have all of the vital information they need.
Involve your audience
Particularly if you are going to be having guest speakers or live acts at your event, ensuring your audience is happy with the choice and that they feel represented is crucial. Surveys, social media polls and questionnaires on apps can be really effective. These allow delegates to vote for the type of performance they would love to see, which in turn will see your event approval rating soar!
Here at The University of Essex, our facilities are designed to allow delegates to feel at ease during any events they attend. Over the last year, we’ve held a Campus Pride event, introduced staff LGBT+ Sensitivity Training, re-launched Essex’s LGBTQ+ night out, organised a Trans Awareness Week, and increased the number of gender-neutral bathrooms we have on campus. We have been included in Stonewall’s Top 100 employer’s 2018 list for workplace equality, and remain committed to further promoting inclusion throughout the campus.
Did you know you can now book your accommodation with us online – book here! (Year round availability in Southend and July – Mid – September availability in Colchester).
If you would like to know more about our venues and accommodation or would like to find out more about what we offer please complete our contact form here. Alternatively give us a call on 01206 872358 – we hope to hear from you soon.
