Lunch and learns are an excellent way to develop prospects and drive leads. These short 30-90 minute presentations (held during the lunch hour) simplify marketing initiatives. The focus of a lunch and learn should be to educate, inform, or train your audience. The informal structure of lunch and learn sessions create a welcoming atmosphere that motivates attendees to communicate and collaborate on the given topic. The open-platform sets this training meeting apart from more traditional conferences and classes. While inexpensive and easy to plan, several elements go into hosting a successful lunch and learn.
The Food
Lunch is literally in the title of the event. Therefore, it should be the highlight of the session. You are asking employees, prospective clients, and colleagues to give up their lunch hour to listen to your message.
Lunch needs to be ready to eat upon guests’ arrival. Consider cost per person, number of attendees, and general budget. Keep meals light and serve healthy options. Large, hot meals get messy. Choose meals that don’t require utensils or tables. This keeps the attention on the speaker.
The Content
Drawing people in with free lunch is a fantastic way to start an event. However, without relatable content, the results will not be worthwhile. Whether you are teaching team-building skills, presenting a sales pitch, or discussing company policy, the content needs to be interesting and informative.
Two elements imperative to the success of a lunch and learn event are discussion and participation. Often, a keynote speaker stands at the front of the room with a Powerpoint presentation while visitors eat. To set your event apart, engage the audience through the use of ice breakers, incentives such as raffles or prizes, or question and answer segments.
The Venue
Popular spaces for lunch and learns are banquet facilities, restaurants, hotel conference rooms, and canteens. Anywhere food is easily enjoyed, seating is appropriate, and technology is accessible will work for your event. Many companies choose to host their functions on-site out of convenience.
Things to consider for your venue include power outlets, projection screens, ample seating, proximity to invitees. Some venues do not allow outside food or food not prepared by a professional caterer. Be sure to confirm the logistical details. Proper preparation lets your guests know you are professional and experienced.
The List
Once you’ve decided on the targeted demographic, you must determine whether you will have an open house or invite-only event. The most successful seminars follow a strict invite and RSVP policy. This allows event planners to ensure the venue is large enough and there is plenty of food available.
Inviting the appropriate audience and requiring an RSVP isn’t the end of it. These types of events need extensive promotion. Once a venue is confirmed, promotion begins. Sending email invites are fine, but they are easily overlooked. Calendar invites, posters, social media events, and flyers create a buzz around the program.
The Professionals
Whether you are looking for guidance in planning your event, or you want us to take the reins, our enthusiastic team is ready to put on a memorable event for you and your target audience. Our Milwaukee event planning team consists of experienced salespeople who will acquire sponsorships for fundraisers, design gurus who will bring your brand to life and innovative coordinators who will make your event a unique experience that no one will forget.
Let the experts at Debra Lopez Public Relations handle all of your event planning and support needs. We will ensure your target audience will have a day they won’t forget for years to come. Your audience will want to come back for more every year.