I have always loved to attend conferences. The build-ups glitz to such events, are always amazing and the events themselves, always blow my mind away and I never leave all the events I have attended the same or unsatisfied.
I have also seen people fret when it comes to organizing events and they easily crumble with loads of pressure while getting the whole process muddled up, but organizing and running effective conferences do not have to be that way.
Running an effective conference boils down to how well you are organized with proper planning.
Below are 5 things to note that, will help you to run an effective conference:
The “Why question”
You should be able to sit down and ask yourself the question, as to why you want to organize a conference.
Asking yourself this question, will give you more perspectives and help you to keep your eyes on the goal that you aim to achieve after the conference.
Budget Drafting
Sit down with your partners/team and draft the cost, of what organizing the conference will cost you.
Make a detailed budget spreadsheet, listing the major cost items that you feel is needed in starting from the advertisement of the conference, (on TV, Radio, printed flyers, social media), the meal that will be served, audio/visual equipment, takeaways, printed materials, rented space for the event, invited speakers fees, transportation, etc.
Connect with speakers
This is where all the contacts you have gathered and the friends you have made over the years in terms of networking will come into play.
Search for speakers that fit the bill and will be able to pass the intended message perfectly and professionally.
Ensure that their travels and movements are properly arranged and organized.
Carefully select a favorable date
Choose a date that will be convenient for everyone, including your speakers. Ask the speakers to check the date and confirm if it is convenient for them.
Registration of Attendees
Of course, what is the essence of organizing a conference without getting your intended audience for the d-day? The first step is to create an online platform that, they can register on.
This ensures that you have their detailed information and from then, you do a follow-up.