Catersource | Winter 2024

AI-Driven Marketing for Event Pros: Simple Solutions that Drive Results MARKETING & MEDIA

By Christie Osborne

• Save time on routine tasks, allowing you to focus on building client relationships and crafting unique experiences. • Improve your business operations, from streamlining workflows to personalizing client proposals. • Amplify your expertise by providing data-driven insights to refine your offerings and target your ideal clients more effectively. Remember, AI isn’t here to replace your unique skills—it’s here to augment them, helping you deliver exceptional events more efficiently and creatively than ever before. The AI advantage: start small, think big Ready to dip your toes in the AI waters? Here’s how to begin without getting overwhelmed: Step 1: Identify your time drains. What tasks eat up your day? Client inquiries? Social media posts? Start there. Step 2: Explore user-friendly AI tools. Look for platforms designed for non-tech users. Many offer free trials— perfect for testing the waters. Step 3: Start with one task. Maybe it’s using an AI writing assistant for your blog posts or an automated scheduling tool for client meetings. Step 4: Set aside exploration time. Carve out a few hours each week to experiment with different AI platforms and prompts. This dedicated “play time”

Picture this: You’re in the midst of planning a lavish wedding when your phone buzzes. It’s another inquiry about your services that needs an immediate response. As you juggle centerpiece decisions and vendor negotiations, you can’t help but wonder—isn’t there a smarter way to handle marketing and client communication? Enter AI-driven business practices: your secret weapon for growing your event business without stretching yourself thin. Demystifying AI for the event industry “AI? That’s not for me,” you might think. “I’m in the business of creating experiences, not creating impersonal marketing bots.” Here’s the thing: AI isn’t about making you or your brand robotic. It’s about amplifying what you already do best—creating unforgettable events and delighting clients. Think of AI as your behind-the- scenes assistant, handling repetitive tasks while you focus on the creative aspects that truly require your expertise. Why AI matters for your event business In an industry where creativity and personal connections are paramount, AI can be your secret weapon. When used strategically, it can:

AI isn’t about making you or your brand robotic. It’s about amplifying what you already do best—creating unforgettable events and delighting clients.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

WINTER 2024

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