By Rebeca Gaxiola. Published on Oct 7, 2018.
Planning an event for Baby Boomers and Gen Y
The term Gen Y or Millennials generally refers to the generation of people born between the early 1980’s and 1990’s some even including children born early 2000’s. Baby boomers would be the grandparents of Millennials, born between 1946 and 1955, who were young and protesting during the Vietnam War era, and late boomers born between 1956 and 1964.
It is easy to see why it would seem difficult to plan an event appealing to both age groups. But if we understand each generation preferences we can find their similarities using them to tailor our event, so it won’t be overwhelming to Baby Boomers and boring to Millennials.
It is one of nature’s ways that we often feel closer to distant generations than to the generation immediately preceding us.
— Igor Stravinsky
Before the internet and travel booking sites Baby Boomers used travel agencies to plan their leisure destinations relying on a local guide to point out unexplored and hidden gems worth visiting on every part of the world. Millennials are now seeking travel advice from travel agencies as well. Agencies are offering personal Instagram-worthy, far-off destinations welcoming them to “experiences” rather than sightseeing, a very appealing concept for Gen Y. Just like baby boomers Millennials seek a less visited destination when planning an escapade.
When it first came out, Apple watch was marketed for youngsters who wanted to have all their health information and fitness achievement goals registered throughout the day. New apple watch is luring baby boomers by focusing on health and wellness. Baby boomers are becoming more technology savvy, and like Millennials they also have made healthy habits a priority. It is well known that millennials are dedicated to wellness, devoting time and money to exercising and eating right. We should use personal well-being as our engagement opportunity because it has proven to be appealing to both generations.
The third similarity is connections. Even though baby boomers don’t spend a lot of time in social media they are computer savvy and do most of their research online, just like everyone else. A recent study by DMN3 has shown that Baby boomers are eager to make connections. They go to almost as much concerts, festivals, and events as Millennials using this opportunities for networking, making acquaintances, and even engaging in relationships. Janet Morrissey says, “the smartest strategy is not choosing between millennials and boomers at all” but actually using their similarities to better appeal to both generations, and those in between.
So how would our event look like?
Whether it’s a concert or a non-profit fundraiser let’s keep in mind that our event needs to focus on providing an experience to make it memorable and long lasting. Music workshops, sand sculpture classes, or blind wine tasting are just a few examples of the types of engaging experiences we could provide.
We need to focus on wellness, make sure that your food offering is organic, healthy, and tasty. You can even make an experience out of it by providing vegan cooking classes by a local celebrity chef. All those engaging opportunities will help make the valued connections baby boomers seek, and instagrammable memories millennials love to share.
Becca's point of view 