How do you keep delegates engaged at a conference? From electives and entertainment, to guest speakers and gala dinners - what's the right mix of activities?
There are many different reasons to hold a conference. It might be to review the past year, provide inspiration for the coming year, reward high performing staff, or a combination of all these and more. Whatever the reason, it's important to remember this when setting the program.
Some of the common issues we see at corporate conferences are trying to squeeze too much into a short space of time and forgetting delegates' attention spans.
We've all experienced the guest speaker that seemed to go on for hours, only to be followed by another speaker who seemed to talk for twice as long. Or we've been to gala dinners with open bars only to have to be awake the next morning for a 7:30am briefing. When a conference is poorly programmed it can sometimes be the only thing delegates remember afterwards.
The next time you're setting the program for your conference, consider these points:
- How long can you really sit in the same seat?
- How much information can you retain from a speaker? Two speakers? A whole day of speakers?
- How lost do you get moving around a new location?
- What are you going to make your delegates do the morning after a night of celebrating? And at what time?
- Are you squeezing too much in?
Planning a conference? Need help or ideas? Call Leapfrog International today to discuss all of your conferencing needs - 01753 580 880.
