June Event Keys

Event Keys, formally Design Keys has undergone a few changes. Please watch for upcoming publications with some great new ideas to make your events memorable.

Are your meetings, retreats and conferences exciting? Do participants walk away energized and excited or just say “it was like all the rest?”

Meeting themes can be fun while still educational.

Recently, I coordinated a themed conference that was fun to plan and fun for the participants.

“Putting the Pieces Together” can fit into most departments or disciplines. You just need to decide what you want to put together. Is it teams in an office, statewide players for a cause, parents and teachers or healthcare professionals and patients?

I carried the theme through on every thing I did. All of the marketing materials had puzzle pieces on them. Instead of table numbers, we used large different colored puzzle pieces.

Prior to the event I determined objectives the client wanted to accomplish. Those were put onto a puzzle in colors corresponding with the table colors and cut into pieces. The registration list was divided into different occupations. As people checked in they were given a puzzle piece with part of a puzzle. They were instructed to sit at the table with the same colored puzzle piece. The beginning activity was to put the puzzle together and each table shared their objective.

Different types of puzzles were placed on the tables when people came in. Mind teasers puzzles were used, as well as slinkys, and dominoes. A large tub with “pieces” of bubble gum was scattered on the tables. You could also have pieces of candy; either hard candy or chocolates. It set a different tone – it says “You are going to learn/interact/participate differently.” Explain that the puzzles, toys and candy are there to engage participants’ hands while they listen. Even those who don’t start out engaged, will eventually pick something up.

The presenter carried the theme through by having participants work together on activities. She had them change tables and work with different people.

Carry the theme through during breaks with cookies in a puzzle piece shape, pieces of cake, pieces of pizza etc. Consult with your caterer for other great ideas. The sky is the limit – let your imagination run wild and have some fun!

We wrapped it up with certificates with puzzle pieces as the border.

I have some great resources and ideas for some great themes to put some spark and enthusiasm in your next event. Give me a call in the Events Planning office at 766-3362 for more information.

Denise Marquiss
(307) 766-3362



	June Tips for Planning Your Events If your time is tight or you need help with ideas and organization, please call Denise Marquiss in the Events Planning Office at 307-766-3362. We’d love to help! If you can't see the images in this email go to http://outreach.uwyo.edu/conferences/eventkeys
	Event Keys, formally Design Keys has undergone a few changes. Please watch for upcoming publications with some great new ideas to make your events memorable. Are your meetings, retreats and conferences exciting? Do participants walk away energized and excited or just say “it was like all the rest?” Meeting themes can be fun while still educational. Recently, I coordinated a themed conference that was fun to plan and fun for the participants. “Putting the Pieces Together” can fit into most departments or disciplines. You just need to decide what you want to put together. Is it teams in an office, statewide players for a cause, parents and teachers or healthcare professionals and patients? I carried the theme through on every thing I did. All of the marketing materials had puzzle pieces on them. Instead of table numbers, we used large different colored puzzle pieces. Prior to the event I determined objectives the client wanted to accomplish. Those were put onto a puzzle in colors corresponding with the table colors and cut into pieces. The registration list was divided into different occupations. As people checked in they were given a puzzle piece with part of a puzzle. They were instructed to sit at the table with the same colored puzzle piece. The beginning activity was to put the puzzle together and each table shared their objective. Different types of puzzles were placed on the tables when people came in. Mind teasers puzzles were used, as well as slinkys, and dominoes. A large tub with “pieces” of bubble gum was scattered on the tables. You could also have pieces of candy; either hard candy or chocolates. It set a different tone – it says “You are going to learn/interact/participate differently.” Explain that the puzzles, toys and candy are there to engage participants’ hands while they listen. Even those who don’t start out engaged, will eventually pick something up. The presenter carried the theme through by having participants work together on activities. She had them change tables and work with different people. Carry the theme through during breaks with cookies in a puzzle piece shape, pieces of cake, pieces of pizza etc. Consult with your caterer for other great ideas. The sky is the limit – let your imagination run wild and have some fun! We wrapped it up with certificates with puzzle pieces as the border. I have some great resources and ideas for some great themes to put some spark and enthusiasm in your next event. Give me a call in the Events Planning office at 766-3362 for more information. Denise Marquiss (307) 766-3362