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11 Great Ideas To Create A Successful Conference
Let’s face it: as human beings we are not designed to sit in the same place all day and listen to one speaker after another, or view new products or whatever else may be required of you. We’re just not made that way. Further, most conference centres are NOT designed to engage or excite the audience. They are generally designed so as not to detract from whatever is going on inside the conference room. So it’s up to the conference venue organisers to create a stimulating atmosphere that continues to maintain the interest of each delegate for the duration of the conference. And that can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Here’s a list of inventive and imaginative ideas to help create a conference that attendees will remember long after it’s over. What’s a conference without a conference name tag, so make them memorable and easy to read. The attendees already know where they are and why they are there, so focus on the name itself. An interesting conference idea is to give each participant a coloured pen when they sign in and ask them to add 4 adjectives under their name that suitably describe them. (Of course, you need to make the name tag large enough so they can do that.) The descriptions are a fabulous way for participants to meet and interact during the breaks. It’s likely you’ll have the email addresses for all attendees, so send them a regular “countdown” email with the number of days remaining until the conference begins. Don’t forget to include a “must bring” list – business cards, note paper and pen if you won’t be supplying them, sunglasses if lunch if being held out of doors, and anything else you think they may need. Keynote and guest speakers can make or break your conference. Don’t simply go by what they’ve said about themselves on their website or in their blurb. Ask for references from other conferences (and ensure they’re legit) and attempt to talk to other conference centres who have hosted the speaker. Discuss the content in detail and outline exactly what you expect from the speaker. If it’s possible to have a face-to-face discussion, this is the best option but if that’s not possible have as many phone conversations as you need to ensure you are going to get the quality and quantity you want. Look for speakers who motivate, inspire, emote, stimulate or make people laugh directly after the lunch break. This is the time of day when most participants are ready for a snooze, so it’s your job to ensure they stay wide eyed by engaging a suitable speaker for this key time slot. Always introduce each speaker and then thank them after their discussion. If you have arranged for question time, let the audience know how long it will be so questions don’t drag on interminably. Many conference centres make a mentoring room or table available so conference guests can chat with the speakers or other mentors on a one-on-one basis. If you need to, limit the time available for mentoring sessions. Take regular breaks during the conference so attendees can get up and move around. Or ask a conference leader to conduct a fun stretching session to keep delegates alive and alert. Provide a “survival pack” for each delegate. This can include anything you want, but items like a bottle of water, a bag of jelly beans, a fun stress ball or other novelty treats always go over well. Although your conference is designed with a specific intent in mind, there is no harm in adding a sense of fun and frivolity to keep people on their toes. Professional conference venues can help you come up with the best conference ideas to ensure your conference is a hit Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Australia's most comprehensive and complete guide of conference venues and hotels. Since 1968, Dawsons guides and directories have been publishing the most comprehensive resource of hotel & motel accommodation. For more information, visit Conference Venues |
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