A handy guide with everything you need to know to make sure your guests have an amazing time. Let’s start with the basics.
Start with the idea
Any small group activity hosted by a passionate local. An Experience can be anything from a cooking class to a kayaking trip to pretty much any weird & wonderful thing you can think of.
A little inspiration
Bring your personality
A memorable Experience starts with the thing nobody else can copy: you.
Lean into your weirdness and customize your Experience in any way you want! Set the vibe with your favourite playlist, get creative with the feng-shui, or add in some quirky & fascinating facts to make the Experience as memorable as possible! This is not a stock-standard tour offered by a company. It’s YOUR Experience. The more unique the better!
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about hosting. But remember, your guests have signed up for a reason: They WANT to be there! You’re offering an Experience they are dying to have, and you’re the best person for the job. Back yourself. You got this!
The host in hosting
At Xperium, we want to give everyone a shot at turning their idea into reality. That being said, here are some things we look for in our hosts:
A real passion for showing guests what your world has to offer
First-hand knowledge & expertise
An enthusiastic & encouraging attitude that makes people feel at home while trying something new
A passion for providing an Experience you won’t find anywhere else, or can’t do on your own
The people make it memorable
Whether you are teaching an Experience, bringing neighbours together for a Meet Up, or giving a local Event a place to shine, the goal is the same: help people feel welcome enough to join in.
Make people feel at home
01 Break the ice
Start off with some easy-going introductions so everyone feels comfortable with each other. After all, it’s often the people you share the Experience with that makes it unforgettable.
02 Cheer them on
Everyone’s probably a little shy or nervous about being in an unfamiliar place and trying something new with new people. Do your best to make sure people feel supported and attended to.
03 Make it personal
Everyone likes hearing their own name. It makes them feel comfortable and looked after, especially in a new place. Be sure to introduce yourself and try your best to call people by their names.
04 Tell the story
Got an interesting story to tell about the activity you're doing or the place you’re in? Sharing personal anecdotes and musings means your guests get an Experience they won’t get anywhere else!
Tell them why it matters
Your activity description should inform guests and get them psyched to have this Experience with you.
First, briefly describe what you’ll be doing. Tell them why it is unique and what sets it apart from other similar Experiences.
Add a little bit about yourself so they know who they will be interacting with. Don’t be shy, let them know why you’re best suited to offer this Experience! Be sure to throw in some quirky details and killer photos to draw people in and get them excited.
Give a detailed itinerary of how the Experience will progress. How will things kick off and how much time, roughly, will each part take? The more detailed your plan, the better!
What will they get from the Experience, besides an unforgettable day, of course? Some new local friends? A unique understanding of the activity? Recipes, souvenirs, or pictures to take home? Let guests know what they will leave with.
The details guests remember
Include the time and the exact location of where the Experience will be held and where you will meet them.
Details about what you’ll provide: food and drink, special equipment, rain jackets, or anything else to make your guests comfortable.
Expect your guests to show up with nothing but the clothes on their back. If they need to bring anything, be sure to let them know.
Keep in mind that someone booking your Experience might book spots for other guests. If there are requirements around age, physical capability, skill level, or certifications, be sure to include them.
No two Experiences are the same. Add any relevant information guests may want to know beforehand. Give them a clear picture of what the Experience will look like and include details you think might sound enticing.
Keep getting better
When the good times have been had and your Experience is over, be sure to ask your guests to leave a review. Feedback helps new guests know what to expect and will let you build your rep on Xperium!
You’ve got this
Thanks for sticking with us. Remember these tips and you’ll be a neighbourhood-famous host in no time! If you’re a little nervous about hosting an Experience, that’s completely normal. Putting yourself out there is a huge step, and you’ll be so glad you did! Trust yourself. You got this!
