What distinguishes a memorable event from a lackluster one? One strategy that is increasingly on the rise is storytelling. In fact, storytelling itself has become a hugely popular event theme. From the podcast of short stories, “The Moth”, to the ‘Mortified’ event craze, which centers around adults reading their childhood diary entries, there has been a boom in storytelling events. 

The reason why events that tell a story stand out so prominently in the minds of their guests, while others fade into oblivion, is largely a matter of human nature. There is the crucial link between stories and memory. Over time, evolution has gifted us with the ability to remember stories much more clearly than fragmented bits of information. 

If longevity of your event is a priority for your brand, it is essential to tell a unique and compelling story. This should be all encompassing: from the background music, to catering, to the visuals of your event, you should prioritize unadulterated cohesion from start to finish. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end, with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. How can you make this happen? There are a few simple strategies, both at your event and in its corresponding digital spaces, that you can employ to make your story stand out. 

At Your Event

• Show, don’t tell

Today’s consumers are bombarded with desensitizing visuals. The average Instagram user spends less than a second on each photo as they mindlessly scroll. Give your audience the visuals that will draw them in and leave a positive impression. Visuals do not necessarily mean photos. From décor to projection mapping, it is important to be creative. Switch it up with compelling videos and even non-digital visual mediums, such as paintings or comic strips. 

• Add a plot twist

Spoiler alert: the best stories incorporate the element of surprise. While many events attempt to tell a story, few use this unexpected tactic to make theirs stand out. An event plot twist entails taking a traditional aspect and turning it upside down. Maybe your entertainment is a classical orchestra, playing instrumental covers of today’s top hits. Perhaps you ditch the typical panel discussion in favor of a more creative format. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to employ a plot twist that fits within the context of your larger story. 

Social Media Strategy

• Create a highlight reel 

The social media tools at your disposal are crucial to increasing the legacy of your event. Prioritize capturing audience and participant interviews during the event, and stockpile them to be shared one by one after its conclusion. Build a cache of videos, photos, and captions, and continue to publish them, sustaining a virtual story and periodically re-positioning your event at the forefront of your audience’s minds. 

• Find your influencer niche

Social media influencers make especially exceptional storytellers. They are both impressively in-tune with the interests of the audience, as well as industry experts in the digital mediums they utilize. With so many influencers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and even LinkedIn, it is important to find the perfect spokesperson for your event. Partner with one or more to help share your story with an even wider digital audience. Seeing their favorite influencers at your event will encourage your audience to join in sharing their experiences with their own digital networks, and will give a boost to future event sales! 

The first chapter of any story is by far its most important; it sets the tone for the entire tale. Make sure your story gets started on the right page with the help of a trusted expert in event planning and production. Contact Wizard Studios today!