Organising an event is thrilling, especially when it brings together a remarkable group for an unforgettable evening filled with engaging conversations, networking opportunities, and pure inspiration! AJOSEPO's first Women in Business dinner at The Princess Royale in Notting Hill set the stage for connections and exchanges among leaders from diverse industries—a vision I truly hope came to life. As I reflect on this incredible experience, I’m eager to share the ten invaluable lessons I gathered along the way.
The Venue Matters More Than You Think
I was given an incredible opportunity to host our event in the vibrant heart of Soho. However, as I considered it further, I realised that the lively atmosphere might overshadow the intimate and focused experience we truly wanted for our gathering. We were searching for a venue that would foster the intimacy we wanted to create for our first event. Selecting a space that resonates with your vision is absolutely essential for creating a truly memorable experience!
Location, Location, Location
Convenience isn't just a perk; it's the key to skyrocketing attendance and ensuring everyone arrives on time and in the right mood! So, when looking for the perfect spot, consider transportation options and accessibility. Your guests will thank you, and your event will shine! I recommend Central or West London locations.
Curate the Guest List with Intention
Picture this: an electrifying blend of familiar faces alongside women you admire! Bringing together individuals from varied backgrounds and industries will ignite enriching discussions and open the door to unexpected collaborations.
Keep Costs Down Without Compromising on Experience
Choosing a pre-fixed menu for our food and drinks was more than just a budget-friendly decision; it was a savvy way to ensure quality without breaking the bank. By personally selecting decorations, such as beautiful flowers from the vibrant Columbia Flower Market, we infused our event with character and elegance—all while keeping costs manageable. This thoughtful approach truly elevated the experience!
Always Expect Last-Minute Cancellations
Even with double-checks and confirmations, two attendees unexpectedly bowed out just hours before the event. This goes to show that flexibility is key in event planning. By anticipating potential drop-offs, you can keep the momentum going and adapt to whatever twists and turns come your way.
Have Backup Games or Conversation Starters
To keep the energy high throughout the evening, interactive activities were essential. I curated a selection of 200 conversation-starting questions, which served as a safety net, although we fortunately didn’t need them. Being over-prepared is always better than scrambling later.
Thoughtful Gifting Leaves a Lasting Impression
Each guest received an AJOSEPO signature jewellery piece and a tote bag as a gesture of gratitude. Marine Tanguy also generously contributed her book “The Visual Detox”, enhancing the goodie bags. Small, thoughtful gestures make guests feel appreciated and valued.
Be Clear with Dress Codes
Oof! Although the invitation I sent clearly stated “cocktail attire," it seems to have sparked some confusion about what this means. Next time, I will provide more precise guidance while keeping things stylish yet straightforward.
Encourage Seat Swaps Between Courses
Looking back, it’s clear that inviting guests to switch seats throughout the courses would have sparked vibrant cross-table networking and opened doors to new connections rather than limiting conversations to immediate neighbours. I can only imagine the lively discussions and unexpected connections that could have happened if I had done this!
Delegate Capturing the Moment
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the evening, I made a wise choice by entrusting my partner, Miro, with the task of capturing key moments from the night using his exceptional photography skills. With my attention pulled in so many directions, I would have struggled to do this myself. Instead, I could fully immerse myself in the moment, knowing I would have beautifully documented memories to cherish.
Bonus: Timing is Everything
The timing of your event can truly make or break the experience! Kick-off too early in the week, and you might see a decline in attendance. Weekends? They often clash with family plans and commitments. But let me tell you about a sweet spot: a Wednesday at 6:30 PM! We hosted our event from this time until 10:15 PM.
This first Women in Business dinner was a resounding success, full of insights that will inform our future events. Here’s to many more evenings filled with inspiring conversations and meaningful connections! In the meantime, I hope this guide proves helpful to you.
Love, Tofi Caroline Adedoyin xx