Too often when we think about conference growth or sustainability, we assume it means attracting next gen customers. We pinpoint a specific generation, usually Millennials. Then we discuss how to plan, program and market to that specific age group. Eventually our planning discussions turn to generational differences. Those conversations can quickly digress into personal pet peeve complaints about each generation. Before we realize it, we’ve polarized current and future … [Read more...]
Conversations, Collaboration and Chemistry
Judith E. Glaser, an author, business executive, and self-described “organizational anthropologist,” says science has now proven that the chemical nature of relationships, conversations and collaboration is more than an attraction metaphor: it’s a reality. So the quality of our conversations — especially those participants have with others at conferences and meetings — has a direct chemical impact on them, those around them, and therefore on the organizations they belong to. Glaser, who … [Read more...]
How Conference Networking Improves Participants’ Brain Health [Webinar May 11]
![How Conference Networking Improves Participants’ Brain Health [Webinar May 11]](https://velvetchainsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/LetsTalkbyRonMader-332x190.jpg)
Brain science research continues to prove that our brains function best when we’re engaged in meaningful We-centric conversations. We are a highly social species. This research illustrates our need to design conferences that promote deeper and more meaningful conversations, especially in our networking. These We-centric conversations, as organizational anthropologist and author Judith Glaser states, move us from less surface what I can do into deeper conversations of what we can do together. … [Read more...]
Innovators Network Differently
After studying a whole bunch of professional conferences, it’s very clear to me what separates a thriving event from one on life support. For multi-day conferences, a growing number register and return because of who else will be there. Our attendees have more choices than ever for professional development and acquiring purchasing intelligence. Today, it’s difficult to differentiate and grow without strong networking value and a tribe-like vibe. It’s no longer enough to just attract the … [Read more...]
Conference Connexity: Deliver Your Networking Promise Webinar September 9
We spend the majority of our day in front of screens and media (digital, print & TV) says eMarketer. No wonder we are starved for face to face interactions! Your organization can help satisfy our cravings for community and connections by delivering conference experiences that foster connexity. Connexity is more than speed networking. It is more than just an evening reception or party. It is a tech term for the merging of community and connections. And it is one of the main reasons … [Read more...]
Treating Attendees As Human Beings Not Machines
Creating a conference culture of connection is a robust competitive advantage. One of the most powerful and often misunderstood aspects of successful conferences is authentically connecting with others. Too often our conference networking experiences disintegrate into ego driven, self-promotional, self-exploiting opportunities. It is irrational not to intentionally create conference experiences that nurture and promote authentic connections. Especially given the evidence about the … [Read more...]
Want To Help Your Attendees? Stop Calling It Networking!
Attendees value the connections they make at your conference. It’s one of their most treasured intangible benefits of attendance. They come to your event looking for their people. They meet many of your attendees at receptions, meals, sessions and in the hallways. Unfortunately, many of those introductions are nothing more than empty interactions. They don’t really connect with others. Then loneliness creeps in. They feel isolated and alone in a sea of others. That loneliness makes … [Read more...]
NetWORTHing: The New Way to Network At Conferences
Have you ever been a victim of a network drive-by at a conference? Violated by someone who only talks to you if they think you can do something for them? The whole time they’ve got one eye searching for a more influential target to move to. Everyone has been burned by someone who in the name of networking, was only pursuing their own selfish agenda. These people have made networking a dirty word. RIP Speed Networking Speed networking, which unfortunately is still popular with some … [Read more...]
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