Vibe Check

You know summer is around the corner when your calendar is already booked until July. Events, dinners, events, vacation, events, more events…..events.

I was chatting with a friend who runs a VC platform in Boston about how she keeps her events feeling fresh and meaningful, even when the format doesn’t change much. I asked her how she knows when an event is truly successful.

Her answer: “Honestly, just the vibe.”

But what is “the vibe”? Before going to any event, this is what I always ask myself.

Seated or standing?

Official remarks or casual conversation?

WILL THERE BE FOOD?

Why am I saying all of this? Well, because it matters. With events being back to back to back all summer long, you need to make sure your event has a unique vibe. Make people excited to come, and then get them psyched to be there.

Don’t measure success by the headcount. Measure it off the ROE (Return on Engagement). Are people laughing? Are they off their phones? Are they having intentional conversations with the right people? Are they experiencing what they came for?

So, how do you plan for this? Don’t be traditional. Know your audience and set the vibe.

• Ditch the long speech. Have extroverts set the stage and work the room.
• Be intentional about your invite list and make at least 10 introductions.
• Good quality finger food

Want inspiration? These hosts do it right.

• Check out Day Haus or Barre Social Club. Talk about knowing how to curate the vibe.
• Go to a Frank: meetup. They nailed down the art of making networking natural AND a good time.
• Attend the next Burlington Hardware Meetup. It is the perfect balance of rich discussion and networking. I always leave with new connections and follow-up meetings, and SO much knowledge.

Can’t wait to catch a vibe with y’all this summer. It’s gonna be a good one.

-Nicole