An open house event is an excellent way to showcase a finished project and generate positive PR for your team. We’ve previously shared tips on how to hold a great open house (see our post on How to Hold a Great Open House), but before you finalize your plans, make sure you’re not sabotaging your own efforts. Here are 4 common mistakes to avoid.
1. Surprising Affected Users with the Finished Product
Springing the final project on end users without prior notice is a recipe for disaster. If users were expecting a different software interface or quieter equipment, you’ll face difficult questions at the worst possible time. Always walk affected users through the finished project before the open house, so you can address any concerns privately and avoid negative surprises during the event.
2. Trying to Get Guests to Imagine the Final Project
If your project isn’t finished yet, resist the temptation to hold the event early. If your schedule shifts for any reason, delay the open house until everything is complete. Stakeholders will have a hard time visualizing the final result if they’re looking at an incomplete project, and they may take the opportunity to suggest changes or raise concerns. Save the event for when your project is fully ready to impress.
3. Holding the Event Offsite
The main benefit of an open house is allowing guests to walk through and experience the finished project firsthand. If you hold the event offsite and can’t bring key elements—like a new software platform or equipment—you’ll lose much of the impact. Even if some areas are off-limits, allow guests to peek through windows or restricted areas to get a real sense of what’s been achieved.
4. Scheduling the Event Too Late in the Day
Timing is everything. Scheduling your open house late in the day could mean fewer guests, which defeats the purpose of the event. Depending on the organization, a lunch-hour open house or late afternoon event will likely attract the most attendees. The goal is to encourage as many people as possible to attend, not minimize the crowd.
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