a-year-in-review

The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the whirlwind of holiday events that can leave even the most organised among us feeling a bit overwhelmed. December is a month filled with joy, festivity and a packed schedule of gatherings, ranging from office parties to family reunions. Managing events in December demands meticulous planning and sound strategies. In this guide, we’ll explore some tinsel-wrapped tips and tricks, to help you cruise through the season with ease.

Tis the Season to Simplify

The allure of minimalist events is steadily gaining momentum, offering a refreshing alternative to the extravagance often associated with the season. Embracing simplicity not only aligns with the essence of the holidays but also proves to be a strategic and cost-effective approach to event planning. By opting for a simplistic aesthetic, event organisers can channel their energy towards substance rather than excessive spending.

In a world often dominated by excess, your event can stand out as a beacon of refined elegance and meaningful celebration. Picture a personal gathering where every detail holds significance, from thoughtfully curated decor to purposeful activities. Why dent your budget on fancy frills that few will remember when you could rather spend those funds on improving the guest experience?

Keep An Eye on Your Advent Calendar

December is usually a hectic month for the events industry, and time is of the essence. This is why you need to design a detailed timeline for each event, outlining all the tasks that need to be completed before the big day. Include deadlines for attendance confirmations, catering arrangements and venue setup. Having a visual roadmap will keep you on track and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks in the midst of the holiday rush.

Tech the Halls

Traditional paper invitations have given way to more efficient, electronic alternatives. Leverage the technology at your disposal to streamline the invitation process and manage RSVPs. Use online platforms or personalised email invitations to reach your guests promptly. This not only saves time but also provides a convenient way for attendees to respond, helping you gauge the expected turnout and plan accordingly.

Leveraging technology can also bring a new dimension to events, offering immersive experiences that captivate attendees. Whether it’s live streaming for remote participants, audience engagement through interactive polls, or augmented reality booths, technology becomes the catalyst for transforming events into memorable experiences.

Embrace the Outdoors

The South African holidays are synonymous with sun-soaked beaches and blue waves crashing against the shore. What better way to celebrate December than with an outdoor event that incorporates the beauty of nature? When planning a fresh-air soirée, good planning is paramount to ensure the comfort of attendees. First and foremost, you need to consider the weather, as the unpredictability of summer conditions can range from scorching heat to sudden showers.

Another thing to keep in mind would be the implementation of eco-friendly practices, such as waste management and energy-efficient setups. Providing clearly marked recycling and composting bins alongside general waste receptacles encourages responsible disposal habits among event-goers. Choosing sustainable and biodegradable materials for event signage, banners and promotional materials also contributes to a lower environmental impact.

Organising events in December may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning, you’ll be able to handle anything the busy season can throw at you. Start early, set clear goals and create a detailed timeline to keep yourself on track. Contact The RSVP Agency for more advice on how to survive the holidays and host events that leave a lasting impression.

The RSVP Agency looks back at a year of growth, blossoming partnerships and brand new products. 2014 has been somewhat of a growth spurt for us. Not only have we signed up well established name brands as clients, we’ve introduced a range of innovative rsvp and event planning solutions that are unrivalled in the eventing landscape.

Our aim is to provide every single client with the best tools for the job – enabling them to transform their events into spectacular experiences. The events that begin and end with The RSVP Agency are the ones that get everybody talking – for all the right reasons.

We’re thrilled to be working with new clients, KFC, Nederburg, The Department of Science and Technology and Mazda, as well as our other industry-leading clients. We would love to showcase all 126 events in our invitation portfolio but unfortunately we can’t due to the size, if you would like to see a small selection click here to download a select few from 2014.

Our RSVP software continues to lead the way in event management solutions

After a lot of hard work we unveiled our newest products that were informed by our extensive knowledge of the events industry. We know just how difficult it can be to plan and manage successful corporate events, which is why we’ve developed brand new software and services to make this process that much easier.

Our Quantum QR code Software and Scanning App enables event companies to orchestrate discreet and secure registration

This Apple registered app enables strict access control and detailed guest tracking the security of guests at high-profile events is paramount, and our Quantum QR scanning app enables leading brands to check in VIP guests seamlessly and prevent unwanted guests from gaining access to prestigious events and on the correct day or at the right venue.

Sesame, our onsite registration cloud platform, continues to enhance clients’ personal registration process

This guest list and RSVP event management software enables clients to manage their own registration process, and importantly – compile detailed post-event attendance reports with ease. Collecting and collating data about guests enables brands to gain valuable insight into their market – thanks to our Sesame easy registration check-in cloud platform, this process is easy to manage.

We’ll be adding two new exciting additions to our RSVP technology in early 2015

The RSVP Agency will be launching a new Mobi Event App early 2015, a platform that both delegates and exhibitors can use on the day of the event that will add extreme value to their event experience. In addition, we’ll be adding a payment portal to our newly-launched ordering cart which comprises a description of the item, a visual pop-up of the product, as well as the pricing.

The RSVP Agency has experienced a significant growth spurt this year – with our web traffic tripling from 1000 unique visitors a month to 3000

The response to our software and services has been overwhelming – we’re now making 100 new contacts every single month. Our focus on the continued innovation of our software and services has resulted in The RSVP Agency becoming the best RSVP management company for leading South African and International brands.

We’ve welcomed several new staff members this year too – exceptional individuals who identify with our company ethos and brand

We welcomed Nomthi Cebekhulu, who joined us as our new office manager. Her enthusiasm, exceptional attention to detail and background in customer service has added great value to our company. We also welcomed Oliver-James Massam and Vuyani Ndlovu, who provide us with software and administration support, as well as assisting with onsite registration and accreditation at events.

The RSVP Agency has gone from strength to strength in 2014, as a result of our exceptional service levels and ability to fully understanding our clients’ needs. Our focus on building and nurturing relationships with our clients and shareholders has enabled us to provide a solution for even the most complex of events.

If you’d like to get the latest news from The RSVP Agency, and stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments, contact us or sign up for our newsletter here.

Image Credit: Psd Graphics