Tag: conferences


A Conference Learning Manifesto With Ten New Principles To Adopt

We participate, therefore we are. This spin on cogito ergo sum (English: “I think, therefore I am”) is a good motto for all conferences and events. It is exactly where I think conference organizers should begin to focus their meeting planning efforts. They need to focus on designing learning experiences where attendees actively participate, not … [Read more…]

Is Your Conference Marketing So Last Year?

Every year you have to figure out how to fill the chairs at your annual event. It’s Déjà vu all over again. The minute the conference is finished, you have to start again, figuring out new ways to get your audience to return the following year. It’s a never-ending cycle where you’re in constant search … [Read more…]

Speakers Required To Promote Your Conference In Social Media Must Follow FTC Endorsement Guidelines

We’ve come a long way, baby! ~ Loretta Lynn The times they are a-changing. ~ Bob Dylan The catch-phrases are abundant that our world and work continues to evolve. The Ever-Evolving Conference Speaker Contract Nowhere is this evolution more evident than some conference speaker contracts. I have personally seen a change in some conference speaker … [Read more…]

Your Conference Is Like One Of These Types Of Restaurants

Some of my friends call me a foodie. I prefer the term connoisseur as it sounds more sophisticated. There’s no doubt about it. I am devoted to the enjoyment of good food. Three Types Of Restaurants One of the things I’ve learned in my scouring for good and unusual foods is that there are three … [Read more…]

Four Basic Conference Principles You Must Adopt

Brain drain or brain fuel? Which would you rather create for your conference attendees? Brain fuel for sure! Unfortunately, most conferences are nothing more than brain drains. The Traditional Conference Tension Conference organizers have to balance a common tension: fill seats versus creating a unique attendee experience. Usually, conference organizers land on the side of … [Read more…]

CEUs Are The Fool’s Gold Of Conference Marketing

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are nothing more than fool’s gold. Yes, that’s right. It’s just like Pyrite with a metallic yellow hue luster that attracts us. We think it’s gold…but it’s not! CEUs or continuing education credits are often mistaken for the primary reason why attendees go to conferences. While important, they are no longer … [Read more…]

Social Media, Social Technology Tools And Social Learning For Your Conference

OK, I admit it. I’m an information junkie! I’m addicted to learning new information. Learning, My Drug Of Choice Learning is my drug of choice. I get a high when my internal light bulb flashes. With each aha, my body is flooded with endorphins. I consume hordes of information on a regular basis. I love … [Read more…]

Social Learning At Conferences: Moving From Passive Attendee To Active Participant

Have you ever received the elbow nudge during a workshop or conference? If you’re like me, you’ve even given a few to colleagues and friends. The Ubiquitous Elbow Nudge The elbow nudge occurs when a peer decides to emphasize something a presenter said. Suddenly you feel an elbow in your rib cage as your contemporary … [Read more…]