Forward Thinking
When to Use — and Not Use — Headphones for Open-Space Learning
As conference organizers strive to develop more innovative session formats, headphones are being used more often. What began as a novelty has now evolved into a seemingly essential element in our toolkit — but we should use headphones purposefully and wisely.
Four Takeaways From a Major Tech Conference
Living in Orlando provides me with the opportunity to get event-design inspiration from Disney, Universal, and other entertainment attractions. I also have the chance to go on site at the
Prepping Industry Speakers for Your Events
You may think you do a good job of preparing your presenters, but there’s a lot at stake. Here are tips to help them do their best and provide the greatest value to your audience.
Here’s What Event Sponsorship is — and What it’s Not
Until the industry understands the difference between marketing/promotion and sponsorship, we will not significantly increase revenue — or our ability to better connect buyers and sellers, says Velvet Chainsaw Consulting’s Dave Lutz.
Tips for Developing Bespoke Sponsor Packages
If sponsorship revenue is underperforming at your events, you have lots of company. Dave Lutz, of Velvet Chainsaw Consulting, identifies the moves that can turn that around.
Countdown to Convening Leaders 2020
We’ll continue to push boundaries — and extend our reach — in San Francisco. I invite you to join us on our journey.
Roy Evans, a True Leader, Visionary in the Events Industry
The business events industry lost a giant with the passing in July of former PCMA President and CEO Roy B. Evans, Jr., CAE, who built PCMA into the global leader in the business events industry it is today.
Challenge Organization, Attendees with Wisdom Conferences Sessions
Looking for a way to differentiate your conference? Drop the ‘something-for-everyone’ program approach and use your event as a setting to deliver wisdom, says Dave Lutz of Velvet Chainsaw Consulting. Here’s what that looks like.
Two Strategies to Optimize Revenue and Attendee Experience
Event organizers often face competing needs: Suppliers rely on booth traffic while attendees want to pack in as many sessions as possible. Velvet Chainsaw’s Dave Lutz outlines strategies to please them both.
Rethinking the Traditional Model for Your Conference’s Education Program
Organizers spend a lot of time putting together their conference’s education sessions. Models vary, but most include a 15- to 20-person conference committee (slotters) and an army of reviewers (graders). It’s time to rethink the traditional model for creating your conference’s education program.
Flip the Abstract Model at Scientific Conferences
If your scientific or medical event is heavily dependent on participants who justify their attendance because you’ve accepted their oral or poster abstract, you may be diluting the quality of the conference experience. Think about this strategy instead.
3 Predictions for Event Technology
When it comes to event-tech decisions, your rule of thumb should be that customer experience trumps staff efficiencies. This means that instead of organizing around your organization’s products or silos, organize around your customers.