Most companies employ people of all ages, ranging from their early twenties to sixties. Catherine Chetwynd suggests the best ways to bridge the age gap when event-organising, so everyone has a good time at your event

Baby boomers, aged 41 upwards, are defined by their profession and their sense of duty to the company. Generation X (29-40) wants to spend time with their family. They were the first to experience large-scale corporate downsizing, so corporate loyalty is less to be relied upon. And finally, the Millennial generation, maximum age 30, knows there are no jobs for life and they are cynical and meritocratic. They are good team workers and loyal.

HOW TO RUN AN EVENT SPANNING THREE GENERATIONS...

Define your audience

Tailor the event precisely to participants where you can, to ensure buy-in from the first possible moment, allowing you to keep all parties engaged throughout the process.

Seek a middle ground

The greatest risk is that you will end up catering for one generation more than another, with the result that you may alienate some delegates. Although it is impossible to be all things to all people, it's crucial to take a middle road and possible to do so without making an event bland, says Expotel Events & Conference Executive Barry McTierney.

Make it easy to register

You can't get away from technology in the 21st century, but bear in mind that some participants may not want to register for an event via the Internet. Besides, some companies ban use of the web at work, so provide a paper invitation and/or telephone registration option as well.

Reward appropriately

For all three generations, financial reward, although appreciated, is rarely the main motivating factor. An employee's salary is already defined by their job and their seniority, and cash rewards can too easily disappear on mundane household requirements. High street and activity vouchers allow people a certain freedom of choice, and appeal to all ages.

Bond them all

Team building activities can potentially be hazardous where they involve sports. However, cerebral exercises also work very effectively and ensure people of all ages can participate and talk to each other. Such bonding can be underlined by ensuring that teams comprise individuals who do not work in the same department, on the same floor, or even in the same offices.

Don't overrun

Nights or weekends away can - and should be - viewed as a treat. But bear in mind that where Baby Boomers may have adult children who have left home; and Millennials may have none, or may not be able to afford child minders; Generation X may feel they already spend enough time away from home and their families. Keeping events to one night away with a whole day to convey all necessary company messages, is more likely to have everyone feeling well looked after and motivated.

Manage perceptions

Whereas the choice of venue will be dictated as much by the type of event as by the age of participants, always take account of perceptions: We are always careful to ensure that communication addresses every possible perception and misconception. This is one of Expotel's skills, says McTierney.

Get the tone right

Important if you want to stage a successful event. It is possible to communicate with a wide range of ages in a stimulating and upbeat way without patronising or alienating anyone, says McTierney. Avoid hip or trendy jargon; at the other end of the scale, make sure references don't date too far back; and make them laugh! Expotel events have long proven that people remember messages far better if they have enjoyed receiving them.

Get expert help

Given their disparate and often opposing characteristics, motivating across a broad group of this size is no easy task. This is where Expotel's expertise really comes in, says Barry McTierney. Our events team is able to negotiate tricky corners where the requirements of the three generations appear to conflict, and we can also keep a wary eye out for the new age discrimination laws.