In a down economy, an organization's worst survival tactic is to make budget or staff cuts. A weak economy should provide the impetus for us to work smarter and pull the trigger on those initiatives that may not have gone over well even in better times. Organizations that make the right moves will rule the day over their competitors. Here are a few ideas that will help give your conferences and events an edge: 1. Retention before attraction The economy will make it more difficult to … [Read more...]
Breaking Down Association Silos And Playing To Win
Formerly titled Playing To Win, 2009 Edition Belonging to your association and attending your live events are no longer the only ways for your members to build their network or receive just-in-time education. How will you continue to meet their needs? By breaking your staff out of their silos and making sure they share the same sense of purpose. I don't know about you, but many of the organizations that I come in contact with still have some serious issues. They're fighting for their … [Read more...]
Attending To Attendance
These days, potential attendees need all the help you can give them to justify their participation in your event. Here are three approaches you can take. Associations are pulling out all the stops to attract qualified attendees to register for their conferences. Some are leveraging social media to help (video testimonials, blogs, and tweets), while others are equipping prospective attendees with information to help gain attendance approval. Some associations include a "why attend" section … [Read more...]
Emotional Connection, Brand Loyalty & Cinemas: The Art Of Storytelling
A little over four years ago, I left the C-suite to begin the next chapter in my life. During my first few months, I had the opportunity to do some serious soul searching and self discovery. Like many of you, I have a passion for learning. I initially focused much of my reading around increasing my knowledge of what makes a great vs. mediocre leader. You know, things like humility, drive, vision, character, servant’s heart and excellent communicator. Not too long into it, I had an ah hah … [Read more...]
Is Your (High-Tech) Networking Working?
When used properly, high-tech networking can increase the quantity and quality of professional connections. But to accomplish this, you’ll need an ‘Extreme Networking’ technology strategy — which starts weeks before and culminates in the face-to-face event. Helping grow a participant's professional network is a sure-fire way to increase loyalty. Last month, we explored how to do this with low-tech networking strategies. Here, we look at a tech-based "Extreme Networking" strategy. Note that … [Read more...]
Extreme Networking: It’s A Contact Sport
You don’t need a helmet, knee or elbow pads to be an Extreme Networker. Heck you don’t even need to be on Twitter or Facebook (but they’ve been known to help). You just need to jump in and work it baby. Work "Extreme Networking," that is. One of the huge differentiators that make live events far superior to virtual is the relationships that are developed and grown in person. That’s where the ultimate trust is realized. For example, I might be impressed with your thought leadership through … [Read more...]
Exhibitors Dissatisfied With Current Convention Housing Practices: Serious Problem Or Major Opportunity
By Dave Lutz, Managing Director, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting Last week Expo Magazine Insights newsletter linked to a Trade Show Exhibitor Association (TSEA) exhibitor housing survey. The survey’s key findings are: 8% of exhibitors believe shows have fair convention housing practices. 69% of exhibitors book their hotel rooms through show convention housing bureaus. 89% of exhibitors feel that current deposits are not fair. 97% do not believe they receive the best rate possible when … [Read more...]
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