I have been struck by the disparity in how an association’s organizational culture translates (or doesn’t translate) to the on-site implementation or planning of its live events. There are many associations that tout their open and supportive cultures. But when it gets to “go time,” does that culture manifest at your conferences and meetings? Online forums have tackled this issue in recent weeks and it is clear that not all organizations support their on-site operations effectively or … [Read more...]
More Conference Physics: Inertia
I bet you’ve heard this before: “An object at rest, tends to stay at rest.” Oh, yeah, it’s Newton’s first law of motion: any object will stay at rest or in motion unless acted on by an external force. It’s also referred to as the law of inertia. Yes, an object at rest, tends to stay at rest. However, a conference at rest, tends to die. The enemy of most conferences is the way it’s always been. When inertia influences your conference, it’s planned by the way you’ve always done it, … [Read more...]
The Physics Of Conference Entropy
In physics, the second law of thermodynamics says all things—bodies, businesses, conferences, energy, organizations, relationships—move toward chaos and disorder. This is also known as the state of maximum entropy. In one sense, entropy is a measure of uncertainty or randomness. It is the amount of confusion, disorganization and disequilibrium. As your conference matures, it experiences entropy. It moves from a lack of order to disorder. Without your intentional involvement, its systems … [Read more...]
We Prefer Stories To Stats—The Dark Side of Stories
We love stories. They connect on a personal and emotional level. We trust them more than statistical evidence. Unfortunately, we tend to overgeneralize from others’ stories, from anecdotal information and from small sampling sizes. We tend to confuse now with “what always is” as if our immediate situation consistently represents the entire universe of similar situations. As conference organizers this leads us to bad decisions when selecting speakers and programming where we promote sharing … [Read more...]
The Right Rewarding Student Strategy For Your Conference
Many associations struggle with the right strategy for involving students in their organization and events. Some attract students to join and participate in the organization’s programs and services while still in college. They offer significant membership and registration discounts as well as ample presentation opportunities. They usually have a “get them while they’re young” and “let’s put the kids in the show” mindset. They invest in these young professionals with the hope that doing so … [Read more...]
Practicing Conference Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit Of Less And Better
It’s hard for conference organizers to stick to planning the essential elements of their events. We are bombarded from every side from people who want us to add their components to the schedule. Various departments and committees see the event’s gathering of people as an opportunity for them to showcase their programs, services and agendas. As a conference professional, it is your mission each day to keep your focus on the essential elements of your event for your customers’ sake. Only … [Read more...]
Empowering Conference Registrants To See Learning As A Journey Not A Finish Line
Do your conference learning opportunities—from the general session to networking to breakouts to deep dive workshops—empower registrants to participate in their own learning journey? Or do your conference education sessions motivate participants to see the finish line? Their learning stops once the session ends. Authentic learner-centered conferences foster a connection between the participant and the learning taking place. The participants develop a deep understanding that they are … [Read more...]
Conference Reform Requires Cultivating Leaders With Moral Purpose To Make A Difference
Many conferences are stuck in the rut of legacy routines, age-old rituals and cloned programming. Conference organizers and its advisors replicate the past maintaining the traditions and well-established procedures of yesteryear. The event is nothing more than a zombie conference—a conference that appears to be alive yet in reality creates the walking undead. If you want to refresh, reimagine and reform your zombie conference, you’ll need a team of people pushing in the same direction. … [Read more...]
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