3 REASONS TO ADD A HEADSHOT STATION TO YOUR BUSINESS CONFERENCE PLANNING CHECKLIST
MAKE YOUR BUSINESS CONFERENCE STAND OUT AND HAVE ATTENDEES TALKING BY ADDING A HEADSHOT STATION TO YOUR CONFERENCE PLANNING CHECKLIST.
A recent study highlighted that 9% of LinkedIn users have selfies as their profile photos. Selfies are informal, and they can thwart an otherwise professional engagement. It is always worth it to invest in professional headshots, which will communicate to your network even before you engage.
When organizing a conference or networking event, including a headshot station on your conference planning list will add value to your attendees. In fact, the opportunity for professional headshots can be one of the selling points.
Keep reading to know why a photo headshot station should be a priority in your conference planning checklist.
WHAT IS A PHOTO HEADSHOT STATION?
Contrary to what many people might assume, a headshot station differs from a photo booth. A headshot station has a professional photographer and professional-quality studio backdrops and lighting, where attendees can have their portraits taken. The photos taken at a headshot station are quite formal, and participants can use them on their resumes, bios, and professional websites.
These executive photos typically have a neutral background and are posed so that each participant looks their best. Headshots feel much more professional than a selfie or other snapshot. For those who’ve been trying to take the perfect LinkedIn profile picture, a headshot station is an excellent opportunity to get one.
Conversely, photo booths are all about pop and color. Attendees take fun photos with all sorts of props and silly poses. The setting is flashy, and the images can be ideal for sites such as Instagram and other informal social networking.
HOW TO PLAN A CONFERENCE WITH A HEADSHOT STATION
If you include a headshot station in your conference planning checklist, you should start marketing it early. Corporate events often have several breaks between sessions that offer a great opportunity for attendees to take advantage of a headshot station. This is just one more way you can use your free time at your conference to engage in value-adding activities.
With the increasing number of institutions and businesses hosting events, you need to make your next show outstanding. Seek creative ways to engage your audience beyond the usual activities. Typically, event organizers mostly consider hiring bands, hosting contests, and games.
While tradeshow photo booths are certainly gaining traction, headshot photos have yet to become a priority in most events. Especially if you have a university or school event, attendees would appreciate headshot images. The professional photos can be a great addition to resumes and new LinkedIn profiles for students and young alumni.
Including the headshot station in your advertisement signage will give you an edge over other events. Your booth needs to be in an area with less traffic to allow interested attendees to queue. Your guests should be free to go to the headshot station at any time during the event.
The photo booth should have mirrors, blotting papers, and combs to ensure that your guests can freshen up right before the shoot. These additions make your guests feel confident for their professional headshot portraits.
During conference planning, budget for a professional headshot photographer. The company you use should have the right mobile studio equipment and backdrops. The result will be beautiful professional headshot photos that will make your event memorable.
BENEFITS OF ADDING A HEADSHOT STATION TO YOUR CONFERENCE PLANNING CHECKLIST
Your conference events should resonate with your audience. If your conference is targeting young university or college graduates, having a photo booth for professional pictures will sell the events. Many career fair and conference participants site the headshot booth as a major factor in their decision to attend.
Here are some of the reasons why a headshot station ought to be part of your next event.
1. PROMOTES ENGAGEMENT
Other than the typical digital advertising, businesses are appreciating the value of events for marketing purposes. Events such as conferences and trade shows are some of the best ways organizations can execute successful experiential marketing.
When attendees visit the headshot station, they experience individualized engagement at your event. You can take the opportunity to know if your audience is relating to the event’s activities. The session also allows attendees to interact and network.
2. MAKES FOLLOW-UP EASY
Your event attendees will need to leave contact information in order to receive the professional portraits once they are ready. When sending out the images, you can personalize the message to prompt feedback. Some conference organizers ask attendees to fill out a survey in order to receive their headshots, which incentivizes them to give feedback about your event.
3. BRANDING PURPOSES
One of the main reasons every business needs professional photos is the influence such pictures have on your brand. People are highly visual, and great photos can’t go unnoticed. With high-quality images, you don’t have to keep emphasizing your offerings.
When your conference attendees get professional headshots, you can be sure that your brand will be ingrained in their minds. What’s more, using those photos on their websites or resumes will be a constant reminder of the event and the brand.
4. HEADSHOTS ARE VALUABLE
Most people in the business world desire headshots or professionally taken photos. Headshots are the main element of a person’s online brand. The virtual identity makes it easier for people to connect with you and trust your content.
Most professionals hardly have the time to take formal pictures. It isn’t surprising for some professionals to use a photo taken ten years ago. If you want to provide a useful and unique experience for your event attendees, headshots are a great deal.
Your event traffic will increase by a significant percent. Attendees in your network who will find the headshots relevant will want to network. Take advantage of the traffic to convert the leads into sales.
YOUR CONFERENCE PLANNING CHECKLIST IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT A HEADSHOT STATION
If your target audience in your upcoming event involves professionals or graduates, having a headshot station will be an advantage. Ensure that you include all aspects of the headshot station in your conference planning checklist for better organization. With such an addition, your conference will create a buzz and remain memorable.
Hiring a professional headshot photographer isn’t negotiable. It would help to have a photographer who will seek to know more about your brand for better service delivery.
At Melissa Kelly Photography, we delight in making your events successful, and have many more suggestions for making your headshot station valuable to you and your participants. Contact us today for a range of corporate photography services.