Once you’ve chosen your event type and space that matches your business goals, you can then begin picking out those festive, special touches that bring your event from good to great. Some low-cost, simple additive options include faux snow, wreaths, and garlands. Paying attention to the details in your merry decor will not go unnoticed by your guests!
Plan carefully, and accordingly.
Timing is everything with holiday-themed events. Of course, December is the best month to host–but coming as a busy month for many families celebrating, it’s important to pick the right date to ensure high impressions and a successful turnout.
Celebrate with inclusivity.
Everyone celebrates differently during the winter months, and it’s best to keep your marketing efforts inclusive to provide a welcoming environment to all. The concept that brings all cultures and religions together during this season is a sense of joy, belonging, and community, which is what is going to make your event memorable. Ensure that you are avoiding language regarding specific holidays. Instead of language like “Merry Christmas,” opt for inclusive phrases such as:
- “Happy Holidays”
- “Season’s Greetings”
- “Holiday Cheer”
Sticking with general phrasing around the holiday season itself will allow all guests at your event to feel a sense of belonging and connection to your brand as they come together to celebrate. Centering your events around the feeling that is spread among the holiday season is the best way to engage a larger audience and boost brand affinity among different backgrounds.
Find the Right Event Partners.
Putting together a successful experiential marketing campaign or themed event includes a lot of strategy, collaboration, and execution. This may seem daunting, considering the fact that the holidays are the busiest time of year for many businesses, with the sales rate for retail projected at a 3.5% increase this holiday season. The most important step in successfully engaging your audience during this time of year is selecting the correct industry partners, and execution.ners to bring your vision to life. Event professionals have a wealth of knowledge around the best strategies for your brand and can ensure the small details are not missed, making a great event. At VDA, we specialize in creating seamless event experiences from concept to completion. Our expert team handles the details—strategy, design, fabrication, logistics, and onsite management—so you can focus on connecting with your audience. Don’t stress this holiday season, there are easy and efficient ways to connect with your audience, creating lasting memories of your brand.
Leverage Data for a Personal Touch.
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to make your audience feel seen and valued by personalizing their experience. Personal touches show your guests that your brand understands and appreciates them, which can strengthen loyalty and engagement. Start by digging into data you already have:
- Send targeted invitations. Use your email lists to craft customized invites based on attendee interests, demographics, or past event participation. Tailored messaging makes people more likely to attend—and feel special doing so.
- Offer custom experiences. Not all audiences are the same, so think about ways to create memorable moments for different segments. Families might love a kid-friendly holiday craft station, while VIP guests may appreciate an exclusive lounge area with elevated experiences like private tastings or premium gift bags.
- Learn from feedback. If you’ve hosted events in the past, use what you learned to improve. Did guests rave about a particular feature last year? Build on that. Were there pain points? Address them to ensure this year’s event is even better.
Personalization is about creating moments that resonate—and those moments will keep your brand top of mind well into the new year.
Go Green This Holiday Season.
Holiday events don’t have to come with a heavy environmental impact. By incorporating sustainable practices, you not only minimize waste but also align your event with values that resonate with today’s socially conscious audiences. Here’s how you can make sustainability part of your holiday cheer:
- Recyclable and reusable decor. Invest in timeless pieces like faux garlands, wreaths, or LED lights that can be reused year after year. Not only are these options eco-friendly, but they also elevate the aesthetic of your event.
- Thoughtful giveaways. Swap traditional swag for sustainable options, like reusable tote bags, stainless steel water bottles, or locally made products.
- Eco-conscious serving options. Choose biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils for refreshments, or better yet, opt for reusable tableware if logistics allow.
At VDA, we make sustainability a priority in our design strategy by incorporating recycling and repurposing into every project. Our Repurposing Initiative ensures that event materials that can no longer be recycled are donated to local communities and artists, giving them new life instead of ending up in a landfill.
Taking small steps toward sustainability can make a big difference—and your guests will appreciate a brand that takes care of the planet while spreading holiday cheer.
