Let’s be honest: most events are fine. Fine. They get the job done—speakers speak, sponsors hand out swag, and attendees drift in and out with coffee in hand. But what if “fine” isn’t good enough? What if your event could be a showstopper—the one everyone’s buzzing about long after the lights go out?
At Foundry, we’re all about taking events to the next level. Below are just a few ideas from our bag of tricks to spark your imagination and get you thinking outside the usual event planning box.
Ditch the One-Size-Fits-All Experience
Customization is king. Why throw everyone into the same generic agenda when you can tailor their experience? Take the Three Stars Dark Sky Project, where pre-event surveys helped create personalized itineraries for attendees.
Think custom workshops, tailored breakout sessions, or even a build-your-own swag experience. Your attendees will feel like VIPs because, well, they are.
👉 Foundry Thought-Starter: Try micro-events within your main event—coffee chats for introverts, high-energy lounges for extroverts, or even curated playlists for different networking zones.
Partnerships That Go Beyond Booths
Forget the boring booths. At the EO One Canada Conference, sponsors traded their standard setups for lounges, where attendees could recharge with massages, snacks, and meaningful connections.
By thinking creatively about sponsorship spaces, you can offer value for attendees and a memorable ROI for partners.
👉 Foundry Thought-Starter: Collaborate with sponsors to design interactive zones—like tech demos, virtual reality experiences, or cozy book nooks (for those in need of a breather).
Surprise Moments That Wow
Predictability is the enemy of engagement. Events like the Jasper Dark Sky Festival are packed with unexpected moments: trivia games against astronauts, impromptu chats with astrophysicists, and surprise performances that leave attendees grinning.
👉 Foundry Thought-Starter: Sneak in surprise elements like mystery guest appearances, science buskers, or pop-up performances. The key? Keep it light, fun, and genuinely surprising.
Reimagine Networking
(Because We All Hate It)
Networking doesn’t have to feel like a corporate speed date. Events that rethink connection—like walking tours, trivia nights, or even coffee-and-conversation meetups—can transform dreaded small talk into meaningful dialogue.
👉 Foundry Thought-Starter: Organize speed-friending over themed cocktails, team trivia challenges, or even collaborative workshops that help attendees bond through problem-solving.
Lean Into Local Flavor
Great events feel like they belong to their location. Whether it’s showcasing local cuisine, featuring regional talent, or incorporating cultural storytelling in partnership with local organizations or cultural groups, embracing your event’s surroundings adds authenticity.
👉 Foundry Thought-Starter: Partner with local artists, chefs, or performers to infuse your event with a sense of place. Bonus: It also boosts community goodwill.
Tap Into Playful Energy
Play isn’t just for kids. Events like the Spaceball at Jasper Dark Sky Festival prove that playful elements—like costumes, games, or themed parties—can break down barriers and bring people together.
👉 Foundry Thought-Starter: Add gamified experiences like hands-on experiences (, escape rooms, or even silly awards (Best Coffee Drinker, Most Spirited Attendee) to spark joy and engagement.
This Is Just the Beginning
These are just a few ideas to get you started—but trust us, there are so many more. Whether it’s immersive experiences, offbeat activations, or bold, new ways to connect, the possibilities are endless.
At Foundry, we specialize in dreaming big and delivering events that break the mold. So, what’s next? Let’s talk about how we can take your event from fine to unforgettable.
