5 tips for organizing an open day
January 26, 2021
As a business leader, you strive to achieve goals every year. A higher profit margin, more customer loyalty, more visibility… whatever your goal is, organizing events is one of the ways you can achieve it.
Organizing an open day
We specifically highlight the organization of an open day. Open house, family day… you know what we're talking about. People get moving and get a feel for your business. It is also a perfect opportunity to attract different target groups. A diverse audience creates diverse opportunities, so to speak.
When you hold an open house, you increase the brand awareness of your company. Automatically, you also immediately improve your image. Moreover, you strengthen the relationship with people from the neighborhood and with customers and suppliers. Your staff also gets extra motivation, which boosts the outward appearance of your company.
Holding an open house: don't hesitate!
As you already understand, there are only advantages to an open house or family day. Although it may cost you some money and time, see it as an investment for the future. Now that we've discussed the downside of an open day, we'll give you five ideas to go all out!
1. Spare no expense or effort
Try not to skimp on a family day: if you have a crazy idea, just go for it! If you already get excited at the thought of an activity you want to do or a gift you would like to give, then do it. There will certainly be guests who will appreciate it. Um… keep it kid-friendly if you're going to invite families.
Note: we're not telling you to throw money out the window! Choose a budget in advance that you want to spend and stick to it. Include crazy ideas in the budget.
2. Give your guests a memento
You don't want your guests to feel good only during the open day; you also want them to remember the event (and thus your company) long after. Therefore, give them a photo as a memento. You know: a photo just big enough to be kept in wallets. One that occasionally (unconsciously, during a payment in a store) comes out as a reminder of that great day at your company!
The photo strips from our photobooths can be provided with your logo, but it gets even more fun if you use the big winner: come on in, greenscreen! Do you have a transport company with an open day, for example? Then we virtually place your visitors in those trucks of yours. An open day at the fire department? The models are mounted as firefighters in front of a photo of a burning house. Do you have another brilliant idea? Don't hold back, you name it, we make it! Fun guaranteed, and you will certainly be talked about afterward.
3. Family Day Script
Have you ever seen a kindergarten teacher with a class of 25 kids where everything runs smoothly? How do they do it, you wonder. The answer is simple: preparation is EVERYTHING. Those who are prepared can handle any unexpected hiccup. The same goes for your family day; a script is a must. Announce an open day as a project and involve the right people. A good mix of employees who are good at planning (and start well in advance with, for example, requesting quotes and sending invitations) and employees who are overly enthusiastic on the day itself is perfect.
Ensure that one person is in charge of organizing the open day. Someone who excels at bringing together loose elements into one whole. Also, immediately ask the assembled working group to meet on fixed dates. Document everything in a physical script. If things go differently on the day itself: no problem, you are prepared and can handle anything.
4. The Right Time and Place for Your Open Day
This is perhaps a difficult one. Precisely because you have so many target groups that can be invited, the timing can also vary per target group. Try to determine the most ideal day and time for all those target groups together. Also, make sure that your day does not coincide with a mega-event that your entire community is attending.
5. Professionalism, Always
Are there things you are not good at or that are not part of your core business? Outsource them. Rely on a caterer, for example, and deploy your most enthusiastic employees for the tour. Also, ensure they are well-prepared. A tidy work environment gives a much better impression than a space that looks like people suddenly fled due to an impending flood. Every small detail is important; your guests see more than you do!
Proud of Organizing Your Open Day
Show what you are proud of. It's about your company, whether you are the owner or the employee representing it. Don't take organizing the open day lightly, and you will be rewarded in various ways. New customers, higher revenue, improved image… you name it!
