We can all agree that a good movie or book is one that not only sparks interest but could also grab hold of said interest and never let it go. It gives you a taste of something you’ve never experienced before and leaves you wanting so much more. The same can be said for a pop-up event. Pop-ups are defined by the unique spaces that they are hosted in as well as their ability to produce a “one-time-only” experience. They give potential clients a taste of something only your business can offer and, if successful, it could ripple effect into them always coming back for more.

We’ve conjured up a step-by-step guide along with a few tips to aid you in how to organise a pop-up event.

How to host a pop-up event step-by-step:

With pop-up events being the new wave of the 21st century, where does one even start? This blog is here to answer that exact question. We’ve tried our best at trying to summarise the perfectly planned pop-up event in 6 simple and effective steps.

1. Define the goal(s) of your event

Ask yourself what it is that you’d like the pop-up event to achieve for yourself and your business or company. The most common goals that your pop-up could achieve could be to:

  1. Create a memorable and unique experience that people are willing to pay for.
  2. Spread the word about your brand or product.
  3. Study the market.
  4. Attract new clients.

Whether you have two or more goals that overlap one another, or your event only has one goal to achieve, setting a goal is the perfect place to start. Your goal will help determine your potential venue, concept and quite honestly, every other aspect that goes into planning your event.

2. Scout for the perfect venue

Ask yourself what would be the perfect pop-up event space that would both help achieve my events’ goals as well as leave an everlasting impression.

Examples of good pop-up spaces include:

  • Empty storefronts
  • Outdoor stands or kiosks
  • Tradeshow booths or marketplace
  • Galleries or art spaces

Keep in mind that the more foot traffic your event generates, the greater its impact. Take this into consideration when choosing your pop-up events’ space.

3. Consider collaborating

You do not have to go through everything alone. Consider bringing along another brand that could help reach your events’ goals through their services. Examples of pop-up collaborations include:

  • A store-within-store.
  • Two businesses sharing a pop-up venue.
  • Two brands create a line of products together.

Ensure that the brand that you choose to collaborate with, compliments your ethos and services or product. A good example of two brands that complement each other could be a shoe brand collaborating with a sneaker store to provide the space they would host their pop-up event, launching their new sneaker line.

4. See to the intricate details

Okay, so you’ve painted the bigger picture. Now it’s time for you to focus on the smaller details that would ensure that your event runs smoothly and efficiently. Make a list of more intricate yet extremely important specifics that could help ensure that your event runs as a well-oiled machine. Factors that you should consider when creating your checklist, could be the need for:

  • Permits,
  • Insurance,
  • Lighting, sound and décor,
  • Payment systems,
  • Food storage,
  • Parking, etc.

The major question that should be asked at this stage is how you could accommodate potential clients to ensure that the event runs smoothly and that it is enjoyed by all who attend.

5. Market your event

Use social media to your advantage and market your event on as many platforms as possible. These could include you making posts on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter or Facebook as well as building a social media presence for your brand and its’ event leading up to, on as well as after the big day. Examples of promotional posts could include behind-the-scenes footage, a daily countdown, creative posts of what potential attendees could expect at the pop-up and so much more.

6. Evaluate the impact of your pop-up event

It’s the day after your pop-up event and you finally have the chance to determine whether it was a success. Here are three simple questions to ask yourself when the dust has cleared.

  • Did my event achieve the goal(s) I set out for it to achieve?
  • What are the factors that worked for me and what are those that did not?
  • What would I do differently to enhance the experience of my brand?

These questions could be answered with consideration of the following factors:

  • What type of revenue did you gain,
  • How much foot traffic was generated,
  • How much social media engagement did your event receive and finally,
  • How many sales were made?

Once these factors are analysed and you can answer the three questions, you will be able to determine whether your event was a success.

Whether this is your first, second or billionth time organising a pop-up event, the experience is not there only for your customers to enjoy. Have fun executing the concept you based your event on and we’re sure you’d leave your clients wanting to come back for more!

By following the six steps outlined above, you can create a memorable and unique experience that aligns with your goals. However, organising such an event can be a complex task, and that’s where Urbantonic can assist you. With our expertise in event planning, we can help you navigate the process, find the perfect venue, handle intricate details, and ensure a smooth execution. Whether you’re looking to spread the word about your brand, attract new clients, or create a one-time-only experience, Urbantonic is your go-to partner. Contact us today to turn your pop-up event ideas into a reality.