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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP January 30, 2020

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

BY Dave Lutz, CMP January 2, 2020

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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP November 25, 2019

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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP November 22, 2019

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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP September 24, 2019

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.

BY Sherrif Karamat August 26, 2019

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.

BY Sherrif Karamat July 31, 2019

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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP July 9, 2019

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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP June 25, 2019

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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP June 1, 2019

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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP April 23, 2019

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.

BY Dave Lutz, CMP February 26, 2019

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