Some of your attendees want to pay more for your conference. It’s true but only if you offer an experience worth the splurge.
For consumer events, our research shows that VIP experiences account for a sizeable chunk of money — 10% of ticket sales — and generate approximately 25% of revenue. For B2B events, VIP packages hold just as much revenue potential.
But if your VIP experience fails to deliver, it can be a significant setback for you and your guests. To hit the right note, incorporate these conference VIP ideas into your next VIP package.
1. Host an exclusive VIP reception
Inviting your VIP guests to an exclusive breakfast, dinner, or cocktail mixer is a simple way to elevate their event experience. You can plan a light agenda and encourage guests to connect while they enjoy the VIP treatment.
Consider hosting your VIP reception away from the main event venue. It will amplify the exclusive opportunity and give guests something to talk about. You can also select unique venues and transform them to match your attendees' interests or event theme.
2. Provide access to keynote speakers and industry leaders
Your conference's most valuable asset is keynote speakers, prominent guests, and industry leaders. They’re the reason all your attendees have registered, so giving VIP guests access to them will take their event experience to the next level.
What level of access will depend on the person VIP guests would like to meet. A celebrity, for instance, might opt for a private Q&A session. Industry leaders and other experts could be invited to your VIP reception.
3. Arrange quiet workspaces
If you want to attract executives and business leaders to your event, offer private meeting rooms and (if your venue is large enough) a quiet VIP lounge. A place to get work done or conduct a private meeting means they can take care of business and make crucial connections to accomplish their goals.
Your lounge space should also give VIPs an opportunity to relax. Stock up on snacks and beverages. Rent couches and hammocks. Consider providing wellness amenities such as massage chairs and aromatherapy stations for an added touch of indulgence.
Ensure the lounge is equipped with plenty of charging stations for phones, tablets, and laptops, allowing attendees to stay connected and productive.
4. Offer exclusive networking opportunities
Creating exclusive networking opportunities for VIP attendees can significantly enhance their conference experience. These opportunities can range from private meet-and-greet sessions with key industry figures to dedicated networking lounges where VIPs can interact in a more relaxed setting.
Consider incorporating small group dinners, cocktail receptions, or even VIP-only social events. These focused environments foster deeper connections, engaging attendees meaningfully and building lasting professional relationships.
Additionally, offering curated matchmaking services can help VIPs connect with other attendees with similar interests or business goals. This personalization adds value and ensures that networking efforts are efficient and productive.
5. Provide priority access to sessions and workshops
VIP packages bypass long lines and guarantee spots in popular sessions. This perk is particularly valuable at events featuring high-demand speakers or limited-capacity workshops. Not only does it save time, but it also allows attendees to plan their schedules more efficiently.
VIP tickets often include early registration and reserved seats, ensuring VIP attendees get the most out of each session. Attendees with priority access experience higher satisfaction than regular attendees and are more likely to become repeat attendees.
6. Arrange personalized concierge services
Offering personalized concierge services can significantly enhance the VIP experience. This perk ensures that attendees have a dedicated point of contact for all their needs, from making restaurant reservations to arranging transportation.
Conference-goers particularly value personalized services as a key factor in their event experience. These services can drastically reduce stress and allow guests to focus on networking and learning opportunities instead of logistics.
Consider partnering with local businesses to curate unique experiences for your VIPs. This can include exclusive city tours, tailored dining experiences, or even after-hours access to local attractions. By doing so, you not only enhance the attendee experience but also foster local partnerships that can benefit future events.
7. Dedicated VIP lounges and relaxation areas
A well-designed VIP lounge can be a game-changer for attendees. These exclusive areas offer a tranquil retreat from the conference hustle, allowing VIPs to recharge in a comfortable environment. Amenities might include plush seating, complimentary refreshments, and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring attendees can stay productive when needed.
VIP attendees value comfortable lounging areas as a top-tier perk. Additionally, these dedicated spaces often foster spontaneous networking, providing a relaxed setting for VIPs to connect with peers and industry leaders.
Implementing such amenities enhances the overall attendee experience, boosts attendee satisfaction and loyalty, and increases retention rates in future conference events.
8. Offer preferred seating
Ensure that VIP attendees receive the best seating, typically in the front rows or prime locations, to grant them an unobstructed view and ease of access. Preferred seating not only allows VIPs to fully engage with the event but also reinforces their sense of importance and exclusivity.
You can use our event layout software to design a custom seating map with a simple drag-and-drop tool, so you can label sections, rows, and seats for a seamless experience.
With pre-built templates, you won’t waste time starting from scratch, and since ticketing is built-in, you can assign and sell VIP seats all in one place.
Need to make last-minute changes? No problem—our dashboard makes it quick and hassle-free. Plus, with pricing tiers, you can ensure VIPs get premium seating near the stage effortlessly.
9. Exclusive swag and promotional items
High-quality, thoughtfully curated items not only serve as memorable keepsakes and reinforce your event's branding but also dramatically enhance the VIP experience. Consider items like luxury tote bags, tech gadgets, or bespoke stationery. These premium gifts can leave a lasting impression and offer practical value long after the conference ends.
Align swag with your event's brand while catering to the tastes of your VIP attendees. Thoughtful selections resonate more profoundly, enhancing the perceived value and strengthening the attendee's connection to your event.
For example, incorporating eco-friendly products can appeal to environmentally-conscious attendees.
10. Behind-the-scenes tours and experiences
Providing behind-the-scenes tours and exclusive experiences can create unforgettable memories for VIP attendees. This access can include visits to production areas, meeting rooms, or even backstage passes to meet influencers and speakers up close.
Such perks not only offer a glimpse into the event's inner workings but also foster a deeper connection to the conference.
These tours can also serve as incredible networking opportunities. By offering intimate settings for conversations, they enable attendees to engage with event organizers and other VIPs, often leading to meaningful business connections.
11. VIP-only Q&A sessions
VIP-only Q&A sessions can be a significant draw since they allow attendees to engage directly with keynote speakers and industry experts in a more intimate setting. Such exclusive interactions can foster deeper connections and insights that are often unattainable in larger, public sessions.
To implement this perk, schedule special time slots before or after the main presentation, where VIPs can ask questions and get detailed responses. You could also consider moderating these sessions to maintain a smooth flow and maximize the value for all participants.
12. Complimentary transportation and parking
Offer VIP attendees complimentary transportation and parking to streamline their experience from the moment they arrive. Arrange shuttle services from nearby hotels or provide dedicated parking spots near the venue. This not only saves time but also reduces stress, ensuring a smooth start and end to their day.
13. Enhanced security and privacy measures
Security and privacy are a top priority for most VIPs. Implement measures like dedicated security personnel, private entrances, and discreet check-ins to reassure your esteemed guests.
Hire personnel trained in venue screening for doubtful behavior, potential security threats, unauthorized access, prohibited items, and emergency response procedures.
Provide secure storage for personal belongings and offer badges with minimal personal details to maintain confidentiality. Communicate these arrangements clearly to enhance the VIP experience and build trust and confidence in your event.
Budget considerations when offering VIP packages
When planning VIP packages, budget considerations are crucial. Allocating budget wisely can enhance value without overspending. Assess the cost-effectiveness of each perk. While some features may appear enticing, they might provide little value to attendees relative to their expense.
For instance, investing in high-impact perks like exclusive networking opportunities or VIP lounge access can yield substantial returns.
Conducting surveys and gathering feedback from past VIP attendees can help determine which perks are most appreciated and worth the investment.
The scale of the event is also a crucial consideration. Larger conferences might benefit from more elaborate VIP perks, while smaller events can focus on quality over quantity. The key is to balance cost and value, ensuring that every dollar spent elevates the attendee experience and justifies the VIP ticket price.
Pass the bill to sponsors
If your budget is constrained and you can’t support a VIP package, that doesn’t mean you can’t offer one. Offering your VIP assets—such as the lounge, reception, and preferred seating—to sponsors can significantly increase the profit margin of your VIP package.
Build a demographic and firmographic profile of your VIP attendees. Once you know their characteristics, you can leverage this insight to woo event sponsors who’ll happily pay for access to their target customers.
With a clear understanding of your VIP attendees, you can tailor the perks and experiences to match their preferences and needs. This could include:
- Curating content that resonates with their professional interests.
- Offering personalized schedules or itineraries.
- Providing exclusive access to technology or analytics relevant to their industry.
- Organizing intimate meet-and-greet sessions with industry leaders.
- Designing relaxation or wellness activities that appeal to their lifestyle.
This level of personalization can significantly enhance attendee satisfaction and loyalty, making it easier to justify premium pricing for your VIP packages.
Additionally, by showcasing detailed profiles of your VIP attendees, you can attract high-value sponsors willing to invest in marketing opportunities that target their specific demographics. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the event organizers and sponsors, leading to a more prosperous and engaging conference experience for all parties involved.
Ready for more conference tips?
Enhancing the conference experience through valuable VIP perks can significantly impact attendees' satisfaction and engagement. By incorporating these essential elements into your events, you not only make participants feel valued but also ensure they derive maximum benefit from their attendance.
Ready to take your conference experiences to the next level? Explore a world of opportunities with Eventbrite—where planning and hosting impactful events is just a few clicks away. Start optimizing your next conference today!
