First Impressions

First impressions are everything. It is important to make a great first impression for any visitor to your campus, and there is so much we can do that can help determine if someone is to return and what their first experience is like.

From the time someone enters the parking lot, you want to guide them all the way into their final destination without any confusion or questions.

Think of the thousand and thousands of people they move thru airports. Signage, strategically placed personnel, and key areas for information are so important. Their goal is to get you thru to your destination gate or exit with ease.

Below is just an off the cuff list of ideas to accomplish this experience:

1. Parking signage to guide people to the correct parking areas
2. People directing traffic and welcoming attendees
3. Signage to guide people to the appropriate entrance
4. Greeters and signage inside entrance to guide to registration or destination areas
5. A central area that is easy to get to get information or questions answered

The goal is to provide a virtual guide, using signage and strategically placed people, guiding people thru the facility and to their final destination with ease. Being in a new place for the first time is already such a stressful event and I think if we make a small effort in these areas it can help ease some of this and help provide a good first impression.

If you have any other items that you think should be added to this off the cuff list, I would love to hear them.