The On-Site Experience

The On-Site Experience

Does Walk to End Alzheimer’s™ have any

competition in the marketplace?Q:

The On-Site Experience

Yes.A:

The On-Site Experience

Helps us differentiate Walk and encourage repeat

participation, enhanced fundraising, and a

pleasurable mission-filled event day experience

Site LayoutSite Layout

Site Layout

• Layout should “make sense” so it’s easier to know what to do next

• Create a community feel

• Walk is an all-ages, all-abilities event so think about different audiences

• Think like a participant from the time you arrive to the moment you leave

Generic Site Layout

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Sponsors & Vendors

participants enter

Promise

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Walk

team area start/finish

Refreshments

Promise

Garden

*Post Walk

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Embrace the BrandEmbrace the Brand

Embrace the Brand:Signage

• New and reinvigorated signage helps build the sense of community

• Be consistent

• Don’t just think about what the sign looks like. Think about where it goes and how it hangs (or stands or waves).

Embrace the Brand:Participant Interaction

• Volunteers and staff should have the same high level of customer service

• Always Be Connecting

• Take advantage of templates for everything from scripts to music

Participant Arrival/Pre-Ceremony

Pre-Ceremony

• Be ready for your first walker

• “Welcome Plaza”

• Music, announcements, anticipation

• Roaming volunteers recruiting advocates, offering help and looking for wristbands

• Encourage movement throughout site until Opening Ceremony

• Adjust start time as necessary due to weather or other circumstances

RegistrationRegistration

Registration• Goal is to connect with every person walking

• Three types of walkers:1. Ready to Walk2. Already Registered3. Not Yet Registered

• Wristbands, wristbands, wristbands. (did I mention wristbands?)

Registration

• Clear and organized lines

• Appropriate number of well-trained and equipped volunteers with staff backup when needed

• Scripting for volunteers

• Customer service-focused

Opening CeremonyOpening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony

1. It’s important

Opening Ceremony

2. Involve participants

Opening Ceremony

3. Be in control of the program, speakers, remarks and timing.

Opening Ceremony

4. Tell good (and brief) stories. Stories should also be partially scripted to stay on time and on message

Opening Ceremony

5. Good sound, good music, good ceremony

Opening Ceremony

6. Create a focal point. Make sure event branding extends onto the stage

Opening Ceremony

7. Keep it brief. Participants are here to WALK. Adjust time as necessary due to weather or other circumstances.

Opening Ceremony

8. Lecterns are good.So are scripts.So is rehearsal.

Opening Ceremony

9. Make walk-out its own event

The RouteThe Route

The Route

• Routes are a marketing and branding tool

• Use signage along the route to continue connecting (and thank sponsors)

•Route Signs should be used at every Walk

• Water stops and volunteer support

• Out-and-back routes with no looping

The Route

• Create an energetic finish line

• Recruit volunteers or local students/cheerleaders specifically for cheering as walkers return

• Music makes the difference. Google/listen to the words to ensure the language and message of a song is appropriate.

• Announcements continue, encourage commitment for next year

• Promise Garden at the finish area

The Promise GardenThe Promise Garden

The Promise Garden

What is it and what does it do?

(and why should I care?)

Promise Flowers

• BLUE: I have Alzheimer’s

• YELLOW: I am supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s

• PURPLE: I have lost someone to Alzheimer’s

• ORANGE: I support the cause and a vision of a world without Alzheimer’s

It’s important not to interchange colors or use this pallet outside of the Promise Garden. Other than purple, these colors are not approved beyond the Promise Garden

Promise Flowers

• Picked up by every participant from designated area run by volunteers

• Sharpies available for participants to personalize each flower

• Stems attached by volunteers

• Encourage participants to hold and bring their flower to the Opening Ceremony

• Flowers are handed to volunteers during walk-out. Participants re-assured they’ll have an opportunity to retrieve them post-walk.

The Promise Garden

The Promise Garden

• Volunteers “plant” garden near the finish line as soon as walkers have departed

• Leave enough room between flowers to people to wander through the garden

• Plant flowers all facing one way but not arranged by color or in formal rows (too cemetery-like)

• Participants will read others’ flowers and then find their own

• Extras taken back to chapter office or donated

The On-Site Experience