Tag: meeting


How To Write Killer Conference Session Titles That Attract Attendees

This is the second in a series of posts on writing better conference session descriptions. Read the first post Conference Descriptions That Whet The Appetite, an overview of the four elements of a successful conference description. What is the primary purpose of most conference session titles, descriptions and learner objectives? Did you say, “To get … [Read more…]

Conference Session Descriptions That Whet the Appetite

This is the first in a series on writing better conference session descriptions. This overview article was written (well, ghostwritten by me in collaboration with Dave Lutz) for Dave’s People & Processes column in PCMA’s March edition of Convene. In subsequent posts, we’ll explore conference sessions titles, descriptions and learner objectives in more detail. Why … [Read more…]

The American Idol Strategy Of Picking Conference Speakers

America has a love-hate-relationship with American Idol. We boo the negative naysayer and painfully honest founder and judge Simon Cowell. Although we often secretly agree with what he has to say. We applaud the effervescent Ellen DeGeneres when she says she likes a finalist and compares them to an unripe banana. Although we know she … [Read more…]

Does Your Conference Content Resemble New York City Or A Ghost Town?

Consider your association’s education and conference content. Does it resemble a vibrant, youthful, buzzing community, like the always open 24-7 New York City? Or does it resemble an old ghost town with dust and tumbleweeds, a city stuck in the past refusing to change with the times? Now let’s take that further. So, which do … [Read more…]

An Open Letter To Association Board Members, Committees, Executives

Dear Association X (insert your association name here): I have been a member of your association for several years. I am writing this open letter to you about your annual conference and event speakers, and how they map to my professional development needs. For the past several years, I have attended your annual meetings and … [Read more…]

Is It Our (De)-Fault To Distance Ourselves From The Meeting’s Content And Programming?

What event professional do you know that takes full responsibility for the entire attendee experience at their face-to-face event or meeting? What would meetings and events look like if meeting professional’s quit blaming others for the content, programming and experience of the event? For the past 18 months I’ve consistently heard meetings and event professionals … [Read more…]

20 Things To Do To Make Your Conference Experience More Successful

If you’re like me, you’re probably planning on attending at least one conference in the coming months. Do you make a list of goals or people that you want to meet before you attend? Or do you attend with a free spirit attitude and let spontaneity rule? Regardless of your conference mindset, here’s a quick … [Read more…]

The Four Cs Of Conferences And Social Media

This post is my contribution to the free eBook, Social Media For Events 2010: 7 Event Experts Weigh In On The Year Ahead compiled and created by Lara McCullouch-Carter. The Four Cs Of Conferences And Social Media Many novices and skeptics find social media confusing, much less trying to integrate social media with their events.  Why … [Read more…]

Social Conference Strategy Without Human Engagement = Fail

Social Conference Strategy Without Human Engagement = Fail or Why Conference Organizers Need To Think Like Community Managers Canned speeches and passive audiences are out! Conference attendees have reached keynote fatigue. Attendees want conferences that implement more social strategies. Not sure what a “Social Conference” is? Read Do You Conference Social? and 6 Steps For … [Read more…]