Ticket sales for your event are about to go public, and future attendees are getting excited. Some guests are likely to buy tickets early, spread the word to friends, and pay more for tickets. Why not offer them a VIP experience?
VIP events and tiered ticket programs let you offer interested attendees the bigger experience they’re looking for. This can mean creating exclusive events, like invite-only access to a formal dinner, or event upgrades, like a backstage pass to see your favourite artist. With all of the inspiring VIP event ideas out there, turn potential eventgoers into VIP guests.
What’s a VIP event?
VIP events are typically a special tier of ticket pricing that guarantees attendees a personalized experience. This VIP experience can be an exclusive event just for VIPs, or an upgrade to an existing event.
Decisions to make first
Before you set out to craft what to offer VIPs, decide if you want to host a VIP-only event or have a VIP ticketing tier. Additionally, determine if your event is on larger scale, like a festival or conference, or if you’re aiming to create something smaller and more exclusive for a niche audience.
Exclusive VIP event ideas
The guest list alone can sell out an event. Whether planning a round-table discussion or a secret concert, making your event VIP-only can be a great marketing tool. Attract A-list attendees with these types of VIP events:
#1: Invitation-only event
Use FOMO to your advantage with an invite-only VIP event. The guest list might include top donors to a charity, thought leaders in your industry, or a blend of influencers, celebrities, and artists. An exclusive event makes attendees feel valued and more likely to attend.
#2: Awards ceremony
Awards ceremonies are a sure way to gather industry elites. Recognise and reward VIPs, whether they’re top donors, performers, or social media influencers. Take the ceremony to the next level with performances and catering.
#3: Formal dinner
Plan a formal dinner and invite your organisation’s VIPs. If you want to take it up a notch, have a celebrity presence at the dinner. Invite a local sports hero, artist, or influencer to raise publicity. This also drives networking possibilities for your guests.
#4: Exclusive fireside chat
Facilitate mingling among VIPs with a special fireside chat. Invite conference speakers and create a cozy setting for everyone to gather around. This allows attendees to address questions and comments in an intimate and exclusive setting.
#5: VIP tastings
Treat your VIPs to a special dining experience with wine or food experts. Tastings are a great way to attract the foodie demographic of VIPs. Catering to foodie attendees can get tricky, so use this list of 30 catering ideas that’ll keep you on the culinary cutting edge.
#6: Breakfast briefing
Morning events are a great way to reach business audiences with busy schedules. Take advantage of the early hours to offer the most important meal of the day. Consider partnering with a local catering company to provide an impressive spread and wow your VIP guests.
#7: VIP pop-up
Set up a temporary and exclusive event that speaks to your VIPs’ interests. Announce big news at an exclusive pop-up dinner, or roll out a new fashion line with local elites. Provide incentives that attract attendees who are making last-minute plans.
#8: Secret VIP event
Adding mystery to an event engages the public’s curiosity. Whether it’s a surprise speaker or performer, secret meet-and-greet, or bonus Q&A, tease the excitement of VIP guests to drive ticket sales to exclusive events. Combine this idea with a pop-up to drive a more immediate response.
#9: Exclusive tour
Make your VIP guests feel even more like insiders with an exclusive tour. A city tour is great for out-of-towners to get to know their new surroundings. Team up with local breweries or museums to give your VIPs an insider experience. Hosting a virtual event? Reach your audience through an online tour of attractions anywhere in the world.
#10: Invite industry celebs
Depending on your event and budget, you might want to consider inviting a celebrity to your VIP event. Make sure you bring in figures who are notable within your audience and who would make your VIPs excited to attend. Sometimes, a single name is all it takes to give a VIP event the buzz it deserves.
Add a VIP element to your public event
Already have an event planned and looking for VIP package ideas? Provide your most eager attendees with exclusive offers. A few extra steps can drive profits and create a more dynamic event.
#11: VIP lounge
Creating a VIP experience doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. Add an exclusive lounge or restricted access point to a prime location of the venue. Make sure that VIPs feel taken care of by offering complimentary drinks and special seating.
#12: Transportation
The VIP experience doesn’t have to begin onsite. Extend the experience by offering a well-located VIP parking lot or VIP shuttles from a central location to the event. Or, partner with a rideshare company to provide discounted rides to VIPs.
#13: Giveaways
Build excitement by sending out exclusive giveaways. You can direct message followers on social media with exclusive discount codes. Surprise influencers and fans with VIP ticket giveaways or other prizes on social media. Encourage them to post about the VIP packages to increase awareness.
#14: Digital access to event content
Thinking about streaming a seminar online? Live streaming and recording events have huge benefits for eventgoers and hosts. They can raise awareness during and after the fact. Give VIPs a special access code in case they miss the event or want to relive it virtually.
#15: Add a techy touch
Use technology to provide VIPs with a cutting-edge experience. Wristbands with services like RFID (radio-frequency identification) make it easier to enter events, pay for merchandise, food, and drink, and prevent fraud.
#16: VIP swag bags
Customise a swag bag with premium merch not available to all attendees. If you really want to go for it, get sponsors involved to offer more high-end gifts, like massages, tickets to shows, or wine.
#17: Upgrade the basics
Keep in mind that standard perks like VIP restrooms or special check-in lanes go a long way. If you host a family-friendly event, include a supervised area to keep children entertained while your VIPs enjoy the adult activities.
#18: VIP loyalty program
A VIP program engages members beyond the scope of one event. Keep them in the loop with surprise presale codes, discounts on sponsor services, and year-long memberships related to your industry.
#19: Exclusive access to performers
VIPs are drawn to packages that give them access to an exclusive community. Tier your ticket prices, and reward the highest payers with VIP-only access to areas with the artists or performers.
#20: Early access through strategic partnerships
It can be hard to compete with bigger events, especially when it comes to VIP offerings. Align yourself with brands that appeal to your VIPs and create strategic partnerships. Whether sponsors add a few extra items to swag bags or organise an entirely separate pop-up event, it’s a win-win.
#21: Offer VIP freebies at the event
The biggest fans are going to go all out for your event. Make VIP pricing more alluring by including the added goodies for free. From drinks to food to specialty merch, give attendees more reasons to be willing to splurge on the VIP tier.
#22: Capitalise on holidays
People go big for holidays, large or small. Hack the calendar and use your attendees’ favourite day to secure more VIP ticket sales. For example, most people don’t know what day is National Craft Beer Day — but those who do are likely to be the VIP members at your pairing event.
#23: Make it a multi-day event
If you have the time, budget, and resources, creating a multi-day event makes it easier for VIPs to attend at least one of your dates. Do something different for VIPs each day of the event. For example, if you’re hosting a culinary event, treat VIPs to on-site demonstrations on day one, and a special dinner to mingle with the chef on day two.
#24: Quiet rooms
Hosting a conference? Consider adding a room where VIP attendees can literally and figuratively recharge. An area to get work done, charge their phones, and maybe even enjoy 5-10 minute massages.
#25: Bag drop-off
Don’t underestimate the power of safely storing items like coats, bags, and other gear. Give it a concierge service vibe for a VIP experience that surpasses basic coat checks.
Inspired to up your VIP game?
One of the best ways to grow your event is by strengthening your VIP offerings. By doing so, you attract committed attendees eager to invest in their experience — and come back year after year.
