One of the best ways that college event planners can fuel campus spirit is by focusing on creating an event unlike any other. They can do so in a variety of ways, including special branding, pre-planned viral moments, inviting special guests, and creating memorable moments.
For professional event managers these are the type of opportunities that elevate an event into something special. At universities and colleges, they open the door to creating higher levels of school spirit and enhancing the overall festival experience. Customizing an event also gives it a sense of excitement and discovery.
These moments are also fantastic icebreakers, giving students a chance to meet and get to know each other during a special event. That’s a surefire way to build even stronger campus spirit. The question is: how to create these and other benefits for a campus event.
Ways to Elevate the Students Experience and Foster Campus Spirit
Campus event planners have a wide variety of choices when considering how to elevate the student experience and create campus spirit. Some of the best routes to accomplishing these goals include the following.
Don’t Miss Branding Opportunities
The word “branding” gets tossed around a lot, but at its core it means to market an event with a distinctive design or stylet. The most obvious example is the use of images of a university mascot on signage and advertising for the event. But branding can extend into other areas, as well.
For example, event planners can hand out or sell branded merchandise such as T-shirts, hats, or wristbands at the party. People especially love “freebies,” and they can spread awareness of the brand throughout the event. You can also brand specialty items, including offering customized drink specials named with your brand, themed decorations, branded stages or DJ booths, and even specialized concessions items such as personalized Frosted Cookie Creations.
Pre-Planned Viral Moments
This modern day staple of big events is designed to get people excited about the event through a social media viral moment. There are many ways to go about this. For example, you can arrange a flash mob performance during the party such as a choreographed dance routine with a group wearing branded merchandise.
Another idea is to provide a unique photo opportunity with an eye-catching attraction in the background. Ensure that a branded logo is prominently displayed in the photo setup.
Another great way to generate a viral moment is to attempt to break a record at the campus party. It could be something related to a fun challenge, a large-scale group activity, or an unusual feat. Coordinate with the appropriate authorities to validate the attempt and document the process for sharing on social media.
Invite a Special Guest
This can create both a memorable moment and a viral moment. Arrange a surprise celebrity appearance at the campus party, such as a popular school athlete, a comedian or a well-known musician. Celebrities have a way of electrifying a crowd, who suddenly see themselves near someone they have only seen on television, online or in the movies. It’s a great way to quickly raise the excitement level as well as get many social media shares.
These are just a few of the ways you can elevate the student experience and create campus spirit at your next big campus event. You also should consider consulting with professionals who have years of experience in putting together safe, fun and memorable campus events.
