When Contemplating Conference Growth, Think Next Audiences Which Includes Next Gen September 21, 2017 by Jeff Hurt 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 … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking, Experience Design Tagged With: , Baby Boomers, generational differences, GenX, Millennial, next audiences, next gen, next-generation conferences, Traditionalists
Conversations, Collaboration and Chemistry April 5, 2017 by Dave Lutz 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 … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking, Experience Design Tagged With: , active participation, brain health, brain-friendly conferences, collaborative intelligence, human network
Innovators Network Differently November 13, 2015 by Dave Lutz 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 … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking, Experience Design Tagged With: , active participation, conference best practices, engagement, Innovation, innovators, networking
Welcoming All With Conference Radical Hospitality August 10, 2015 by Jeff Hurt I stood at the door and welcomed people into the room. It was a simple act. One of profound importance. “Welcome and thanks for being here. I appreciate your time.” Many smiled and shook my hand. Some were shocked. Some exclaimed I was the only presenter that had done that. Setting The Space With Welcoming … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking Tagged With: , conference best practices, radical hospitality., welcoming attitude
Treating Attendees As Human Beings Not Machines June 1, 2015 by Jeff Hurt 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 … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking, Experience Design Tagged With: , community, conference best practices, connections, connexity, engagement, networking
Want To Help Your Attendees? Stop Calling It Networking! May 19, 2015 by Sarah Michel 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 … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking, Experience Design Tagged With: , community, conference best practices, connections, connexity, engagement, networking, networthing
NetWORTHing: The New Way to Network At Conferences January 15, 2015 by Sarah Michel 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 … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking, Experience Design Tagged With: , conference best practices, networking, networthing
Fostering Planned Serendipity At Conferences October 28, 2014 by Sarah Michel Some people call it luck. Others call it fate. Whatever we call it, serendipity is a wonderful thing. We’ve all experienced it at a conference. That happy accident or surprising discovery when you sit next to someone at a session who deals with the same work challenges as you. This new serendipitous connection introduces you … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking, Experience Design Tagged With: , conference best practices, conference serendipity, meeting planning best practices, networking
You Need To Invest In This Primary Career Insurance Policy: Your Network September 24, 2014 by Sarah Michel When do you need a personal, social network the most? Think about that for a moment. When is your network of business professionals the most valuable to you? When you need a new job. Right?! That’s when most of us turn to our network of professional colleagues. The Dumped CEO Sitting across my desk was … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking Tagged With: , connections, network, networking
Feeding Our Need For Community And Connection August 1, 2014 by Sarah Michel We’re living in a time where we’ve never been more connected with others than we are now. Yet most of us feel pretty disconnected from our personal and professional networks. Why? Because we were not hardwired for digital connection. We are wired for face-to-face connections. Maslow Had It Wrong: Connection Is A Primary Need You’ve … [Read more…] Filed Under: Conference Networking, Experience Design Tagged With: , community, connections, connexity, emotional connection
