America has a love-hate-relationship with American Idol. We boo the negative naysayer and painfully honest founder and judge Simon Cowell. Although we often secretly agree with what he has to say. We applaud the effervescent Ellen DeGeneres when she says she likes a finalist and compares them to an unripe banana. Although we know she is struggling to find something positive to say when a singer does a poor job. The entire process of finding the next American Idol is very similar to the … [Read more...]
Does Your Conference Content Resemble New York City Or A Ghost Town?
Consider your association's education and conference content. Does it resemble a vibrant, youthful, buzzing community, like the always open 24-7 New York City? Or does it resemble an old ghost town with dust and tumbleweeds, a city stuck in the past refusing to change with the times? Now let's take that further. So, which do you prefer for your association to provide at your next annual meeting and programs? Content from the "Good Old Days" - featuring sessions and stories from the … [Read more...]
An Open Letter To Association Board Members, Committees, Executives
Dear Association X (insert your association name here): I have been a member of your association for several years. I am writing this open letter to you about your annual conference and event speakers, and how they map to my professional development needs. For the past several years, I have attended your annual meetings and listened to your speakers. I have walked into your general sessions and listened attentively to your choice of keynote speakers. I have sat there and wondered why you … [Read more...]
Is It Our (De)-Fault To Distance Ourselves From The Meeting’s Content And Programming?
What event professional do you know that takes full responsibility for the entire attendee experience at their face-to-face event or meeting? What would meetings and events look like if meeting professional's quit blaming others for the content, programming and experience of the event? For the past 18 months I've consistently heard meetings and event professionals denounce the government and organizations for lack of support of face-to-face meetings and events. I've heard them cry and bemoan … [Read more...]
20 Things To Do To Make Your Conference Experience More Successful
If you're like me, you're probably planning on attending at least one conference in the coming months. Do you make a list of goals or people that you want to meet before you attend? Or do you attend with a free spirit attitude and let spontaneity rule? Regardless of your conference mindset, here's a quick checklist to help you plan and prepare for a successful event. 1. Setup your eCommunity conference profile and connect with others before you arrive. Many major conferences provide a … [Read more...]
The Four Cs Of Conferences And Social Media
This post is my contribution to the free eBook, Social Media For Events 2010: 7 Event Experts Weigh In On The Year Ahead compiled and created by Lara McCullouch-Carter. The Four Cs Of Conferences And Social Media Many novices and skeptics find social media confusing, much less trying to integrate social media with their events. Why is this? First, novices and skeptics often focus exclusively on the social media tools. They think social media means playing with Facebook, LinkedIn and … [Read more...]
Social Conference Strategy Without Human Engagement = Fail
Social Conference Strategy Without Human Engagement = Fail or Why Conference Organizers Need To Think Like Community Managers Canned speeches and passive audiences are out! Conference attendees have reached keynote fatigue. Attendees want conferences that implement more social strategies. Not sure what a "Social Conference" is? Read Do You Conference Social? and 6 Steps For The Social Conference. If you plan a conference: Where the presenters read their presentations, you can expect a … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 3
- 4
- 5
