One aspect that is clear to any leading Event Management and Planners in India is that one has to be completely sensitive to cultural differences, regional diversities and local etiquette while conducting events.
Events become more interesting and fun when the prevalent local customs and traditions are followed during corporate events. It means that the company accepts and celebrates the culture, differences and values of its people. It is all about celebrating differences instead of enforcing a homogenous culture on everyone. In the Indian context, embracing culture is key to the success of Event Planning companies in Kochi like Experience Makers. It helps to build strong relationships between the company, its employees and its customers/clients.
Being Culturally Sensitive
Event planners in India have to be particularly sensitive to be inclusive and respectful of the cultural nuances. It means being inclusive and respectable of all the visitors and clients. So cultural diversity and sensitivity have to be incorporated right from the planning process for the event.
Accepting Positive Elements
Being culturally inspired doesn’t mean that the planners have to ignore all the cultural aspects and be neutral. It means accepting and incorporating those elements from various cultural traditions, arts and regional contexts creatively and utilizing those aspects positively. Such elements can be delivered through entertainment, cuisine, general visual themes and more – making the event liked and remembered.
Appreciation of Culture
Cultural sensitivity when it is displayed and evident clearly, creates a positive vibe. The event planner has to take into context the client company’s general cultural context, corporate values and ethos. There are companies where the owners have a Christian, Muslim or Hindu background. While good elements from their cultural background are accepted, it will still be careful of the sensitivities of the others. Event Planners have to work creatively to create experiences that resonate with the desires and needs of their client and the expected audience too.
Some of the key elements to note for:
Make the right choice
The employees’ and guests’ cultural and religious backgrounds have a great relevance in selecting corporate gifts for events. One cannot give away a gift with a Hindu religious element to an employee who is from, say, a Christian background.
Sensitive about Symbols
While decorating and arranging stage settings and flower arrangements, design elements that are non-religious and patterns that have no religious element or significance should be chosen. For example, one cannot have Swastika or Om patterns randomly – it will be a disaster.
Dietary Considerations
Every event has to be exceptionally sensitive to the dietary restrictions of various religions. Vegetarian food sections have to be separate and distant from the non-vegetarian food section. Certain meats that are culturally sensitive to particular groups should not be served at all.