Why You Need a Headshot Station at Your Next Corporate Event
You might not have come across headshots stations yet, but it doesn’t mean they’re not coming your way soon at your next corporate event.
Having a headshot station can set your event (and your corporate event photography as a whole) apart from others. It gives attendees a useful takeaway — a high-quality headshot they can use for their LinkedIn profiles or other professional needs.
This not only helps those who may not have the opportunity to work with a NYC headshot photographer, but also enhances the overall reputation of your event, stirring up talk and making attendees excited to see what’s at the next one. Discover how adding a headshot station to your next event can boost ROI and increase attendance and post-event engagement.
The Role of Networking in Corporate Events
Networking is a key part of any corporate event. It helps people connect, share ideas, and build relationships that can aid them in their careers. When people network, they often find new opportunities and partnerships that they might not have discovered otherwise.
Headshot stations aren’t directly connected to networking, per se, but the inevitable queues will lead to networking opportunities for attendees that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred. Your company can also gather leads in the form of a headshots sign-up sheet which can be an invaluable source of contacts after the event.
What is a Headshot Station?
A headshot station is a setup at an event where people can have their professional photos taken. It usually includes a backdrop, lighting equipment, and a camera, along with a professional corporate headshot photographer who takes the photos and helps people pose to get the best possible shot.
The backdrop can be plain or have a subtle texture, but overall, designed to look professional and replicate a studio environment. These don’t need to take up too much space — an area of roughly 5’ X 10’ should be sufficient.
If the event venue allows for it, another option is to use an attractive area of the venue as the backdrop. These environmental shots have a more organic feel and can bring a fresh and modern look to the headshots. This setup requires an even smaller footprint than one with a backdrop.
Headshot stations are still relatively new, but are quickly becoming a popular offering at corporate events. When deciding whether to implement a more traditional studio setup or an environmental backdrop, consider who will be attending your event. Look to LinkedIn to see what kinds of headshots are common for your guests, and aim to create something similar.
In the above image, the background was actually the entrance to a corporate conference we were photographing. This high-traffic area made it easy for event attendees to engage with the headshot station and produced a very organic result.
If you’re planning an event and are interested in integrating a headshot station, look for a photographer with a strong portfolio of corporate headshots. Try to find a photographer whose work demonstrates that they can photograph both styles of headshots with a range of backdrops and poses to choose from.
Why You Need a Headshot Station at Your Next Corporate Event
Having a headshot station at your corporate event gives your attendees something they can use right away for their LinkedIn profiles, company websites, or business cards. This adds a lot of value to their experience at your event, and builds excitement for your next event.
Encourages Interaction and Engagement Among Guests
We don’t want our attendees to wait in line all night, but naturally, when people are waiting for their turn, they often chat with others in line. This creates for networking opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise, and those can be some of the best takeaways for event attendees.
The headshot experience as a whole is an interactive and engaging activity. Colleagues will often wait in line together and offer words of encouragement and support as each one is in front of the camera, which can add to the team-building experience of the event.
Provides Value Beyond the Event
A good headshot can last for years and be used in many different ways. This means that the investment in a headshot station pays off over time, as attendees continue to use their photos for professional purposes.
If you’re not already gauging attendee satisfaction and loyalty, you certainly should, especially after implementing a headshot station. When people feel that they have received something valuable, they are more likely to speak positively about the event and return in the future
This added value can make your event more memorable and appreciated, leading to higher attendance, better feedback, and more event participation (and ideally, income generated) for you.
You’ll also benefit from having a contact list of engaged attendees, as they’ll need to register and share their contact details to participate in the headshot station. This provides for a great opportunity to follow up with this self-selected group of guests who connected with your event on a deeper level.
Attracts a Higher Caliber of Attendees
We all know how tough it can be to bring people to your events.
But imagine if you were an attendee, and simply by registering for the event, you knew you were guaranteed the opportunity to update your professional headshots?
Knowing they can get a high-quality headshot might encourage busy professionals to attend, as they see the event as offering something valuable and practical.
Enhances Personal Branding for Attendees
A good headshot makes you look confident, approachable, and professional. For many, it serves as the first insight into who you are and what makes you unique.
A high-quality headshot can significantly impact your online presence. On LinkedIn, for example, profiles with professional photos get significantly more views and connection requests. It only takes someone a tenth of a second to decide if they want to learn more about you from your social profile, so it’s best for you to make it count.
Think about when you see a professional photo versus a selfie. A professional headshot demonstrates an investment in one’s career growth and a commitment towards projecting a strong and polished professional image.
Those with a great headshot are more likely to be seen as competent and reliable. This can be very helpful in making new connections and building professional relationships. A headshot that reflects your personal brand can open doors and create authentic and meaningful connections with your audience.
Tips for Integrating Your Headshot Station into Your Event
Choose a location for your headshot station that’s easily accessible and visible to attendees. High-traffic areas are ideal. Consider setting up your headshot station near registration desks or just outside of the main event space. This ensures that attendees see the station and can easily find it when they have a moment.
Scheduling and managing time slots for headshots is important to keep everything running smoothly. Consider using a sign-up sheet or an app to allow attendees to book their time in advance. This helps to avoid long lines and ensures that everyone gets their turn without feeling rushed.
Collaborating with a professional headshot photographer will help align your goals and expectations before the event starts. A seasoned corporate headshot photographer will know how to make attendees feel comfortable and look their best, which will lead to a lot of satisfied attendees.
Tips for Promoting Your Headshot Station Before & During the Event
Using social media and event marketing to highlight the headshot station can generate excitement. Share posts on your social media pages, including photos of previous headshot sessions if available. Highlight the benefits of getting a professional headshot and how attendees can use it.
Creating buzz and anticipation through pre-event communications is also effective. Include information about the headshot station in your event emails, newsletters, and website. Let attendees know the details about the headshot station, including its location and how they can sign up.
On-site signage and announcements help direct attendees to the headshot station. Place clear signs around the venue pointing to the headshot station and include them in event maps or programs. Announce the headshot station during session breaks to remind attendees to take advantage of this opportunity.
Infuse Value-Driven Corporate Headshot Photography Into Your Next Event with Johnny Wolf Studio.
Contact us for your next corporate event to ensure you get high-quality, professional photos that authentically convey the experience. Our team is ready to help you make your event memorable and provide attendees with value that lasts.