Hospitality in Events

Hospitality should be regarded as an integral aspect of improving the quality of event spectators' experience. The two main objectives of improving the spectators' experience is to encourage the spectator to:

Return to event on a frequent basis
Promote the event by word of mouth in the community

Event managers need to think beyond the refreshment stall but be aware of industry trends as to how sport and recreation organisations are increasing the rewards for participants. It is good policy for managers to investigate some of the best events in their community to identify what are other organisations are providing participants.

Hospitality is often a term used to infer food and beverages served. However Collins dictionary defines "hospitable" to be welcoming guests and strangers. Event managers need to see their event from the point of view the participant/spectator point of view. The following may be some of the items that would make spectator "guests" feel more welcome:

Seating
Food and refreshment
A reception area for dignitaries and other important personnel
Information stands manned by event personnel
Good standard of toilets, wash rooms and baby change areas for public
Good standard change facilities
Facilities for people with a disability
Giveaways and lucky door prizes
Special services for competitors such as masseurs, lockers
Directions to venue on web site
Assistance with parking
Good public announcement system
End of event function