Millennials are eager to connect, participate and give says the 2013 Millennial Impact Report by Achieve. Since 2009, the report has focused on Millennial behaviors that would interest many nonprofits and conference organizers including trends in communication, service and giving. The report illustrates that the next generation is passionate about people not hierarchies, institutions, organizations or structures. One of the biggest report takeaways that conference organizers should capitalize … [Read more...]
Today’s Youth Are On A Quest For Authenticity And Community
Imagine the following conversation. Eeeeghads! Our organization will fade away in 10-15 years if we don't start reaching a younger generation. Our membership is mostly Baby Boomers. Most will retire in 15 years. We're not sure if they will retain membership with us or not. We've got to attract more GenX and Millennials. What do we do? Where do we start? This conversation is one of the most common we hear from association leaders. What Motivates Youth Today So what motivates young people … [Read more...]
Seven Tips To Make Your Conference Millennial–Friendly
This article was written (well, ghostwritten by me in collaboration with Dave Lutz) for Dave’s People & Processes column in PCMA’s June edition of Convene. Many associations are trying to find a way to reach a generation that’s eager to be entertained and informed, yet resistant to the familiar, in-your-face, 20th-century approach. The target is the Millennials, defined as those born in the1980s and now between the ages of 18 and 28. They've grown up wired - constantly in front of … [Read more...]
Conference Curiosity Didn’t Kill The Proverbial Cat. It Awakened The Attendee
Imagine a conference where every attendee was learning, a world where what the attendee wondered was more interesting than what the expert presenter knew, and curiosity counted for more than certain knowledge. (With nods to a quote from The Cluetrain Manifesto.) I don't know about you. I certainly want to attend a conference where what the attendee wonders is considered at least as important as what the expert presenter knows. What a profound affect if we rewarded and applauded curiosity about … [Read more...]
Think Left, Right, Low & High: Think Differently About Attracting Gen X & Y To Your Next Event
CEIR Report Power Of Exhibitions In 21st Century Review Part II Read part I. Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try! Dr. Seuss Theodore Gisele, aka Dr. Seuss, had a great idea about thinking. Think differently. Now apply Dr. Seuss' thinking strategy to the next event or exhibition that you're planning. Think about it from many angles, from top to bottom, to inside out, to before and after, to what's it all about. Think about … [Read more...]
Don’t You Forget About Me: 5 Considerations To Attract Gen X & Y Attendees
CEIR Report Power Of Exhibitions In 21st Century Review Part I “A trade show is a trade show … I don’t expect anything to change.” Chad, 26. Imagine this comment came from one of your recent conference attendees. What would you do? How would you engage Chad in a future exhibition or event? Chad's negative sentiment is not unusual from others his age. Organizers and exhibitors need to recognize that the exhibitions and event marketplace is on the cusp of a major generational shift and plan … [Read more...]
