As the world continues to fall head-first into technology, it makes it all the more challenging to use more humanistic methods of communicating with people, as with present and future progressions, the traditional methods of communication are dying at a fast pace.
As these die out – so does the true value of communication and the vital human interactions that form the very basis of all relationships, be it work or personal.
Conferences
One of the platforms widely used to gain access to and disseminate information with is conferences. To have that live interaction can never truly be replaced by technology, although trends show that it is where things may be headed. Holding onto this format can only be a good thing for it allows contact and interaction that technology could never facilitate.
However, the challenge lies in how to hold an engaging conference that people will want to come to in the first place and thereafter will feel they have gained from. Holding the ultimate conference starts with pre conference contact ensuring that delegates will not forget your committed approach and further making your organization stand out from the crowd.
Technology can be used in this to help facilitate this procedure and to make the most of what it has to offer without losing from the final human interaction, here is how:
a) Circulating pre conference videos that will help to build up the hype and get people thinking in advance about the conference objectives and key themes. This could be supplemented with a blog to help allow the ripple effect of the videos to get people talking prior to the conference. Drop a pebble in the water and allow it to take its natural course. This obviously does not have to end there as can be continued long after the conference itself, especially where follow up action is required and desired.
b) Allowing potential delegates to have a say in the actual conference contents is also a guaranteed way of ensuring attendance is at the desired levels. Adopting crowd-source content where delegates have the options of having a say regarding topics, titles and learning objectives will actively engage participants even before the big day.
c) Do not be afraid to circulate preconference webinars, of even just a couple of minutes from the list of speakers expected on the day. This will allow delegates to get a feel for the speakers and to arouse interest and public discussion in the subject matter further which can only be an added bonus.
d) By creating ‘Digital Attendance Badges’. It satisfies the natural curiosity people normally have in wondering who else will be present at the conference and from what organization. It also allows for pre-conference links and communication to take place which is then further solidified on the conference day with delegates permanently remembering that this is the conference where they first met this key contact.
e) When it comes to the big day itself, once again technology can be used to maximize the delegate participation and interaction rather than be a thing of distraction. Here are some simple yet key points that could make all the difference:
i) You sorted the content with the assistance and engagement of your audience, now you need to focus on the actual environment and the delivery in order to maximize on what your delegates feel learn of the event.
ii) Do not adopt the format that was in existence 10 years ago; update the program format to what delegates currently want.
iii) Interspersing the main program with sufficient breaks and break-out sessions should further be supplemented with shorter presentations/flash talks that give your conference that edge of difference.
f) Give plenty of breaks for interaction and networking with like-minded individuals, hence thematic breakout areas are useful to give some thought to.
g) Make room for delegates to give live feedback and input throughout the day via the use of technology and ensure speakers have the chance to make appropriate responses. Encourage simple feedback procedures using technology, it can be kept quick and simple and yet results can be gathered almost immediately. It also ensures a higher proportion of feedback.
g) Make room for delegates to give live feedback and input throughout the day via the use of technology and ensure speakers have the chance to make appropriate responses. Encourage simple feedback procedures using technology, it can be kept quick and simple and yet results can be gathered almost immediately. It also ensures a higher proportion of feedback.
These were a few tips that can be implemented to have a super successful conference. Please feel free to add your suggestions in the comment section……
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/nothing-can-beat-results-engaging-conference-sahil-gupta/
