If
you’re thinking conferences are boring events with a long table on a stage,
you’re thinking of conferences in the wrong way. They’re turning
into fun, immersive events that are meant to engage the audience and take them
on an interactive adventure.
There
was a time where exciting conferences were unique, but there’s a trend
continuing into 2016 of audio and visual displays that keep attendees engaged
and interested.
Hybrid Locations
When
choosing a location, you’ll want to ensure that you have an accurate head count
of those who will attend. A room that is too large will appear as if many of
your guests declined to attend. A cramped space can make the conference
incredibly uncomfortable.
Consider
the trend of hybrid locations for your next event. Many corporations and groups
are using hybrid locations to give instructional or training events in one part
of the venue while the fun, interactive space is separated. This allows the
formal part of the event to be split from the informal and gives attendees a
relaxed location to discuss the event’s message and network with others.
Mobile Interaction with Event Apps
While you might have a hashtag and event page for your
conference, here nova-mag.net
are more ways to have your guests interact
with other attendees. Imagine a writer conference where there’s an app
detailing all the speakers, the rooms they can be found in along with workshop
schedules.
The
mobile app could include GPS locator for event navigation as well as live
interaction with other attendees. Attendees can communicate in real-time about
the event, which gives the coordinators instant feedback in case changes need
to be made.
Event Community
Conferences
don’t have to be one time events until the next year’s conference rolls around
again. There’s a growing trend of creating a community around the conference
that continues after the event. Attendees continue the conversation based on
the shared interests of the group.
One
of the biggest conferences that’s talked about constantly is Comic-Con. This is
a group that has built a community around the conference itself. It has a
continued presence throughout the year with social media, publications and
videos of the conference as well as the speakers.
You’ll
need to consider the time before the event as a build-up for the community. It
can take a lot of time to build an event community, but it begins with heavy
social media interaction. Hashtags and dedicated accounts for the event are
vital for its success.
Green Events
Paperless Events
Continuing
the theme of green events, you could have a completely paperless event. You’ll
need to rely heavily on technology for this. It should include mobile check-in
at the event as well as registration that is completely paperless.
For
the event, you could consider virtual gift bags that will help you connect with
sponsors as well as attendees and also visit at http://portwiki.net . You’ll need to
build your virtual gift bag months in advance. Consider who you want sponsoring
your event and think about how they’ll fit with your virtual gift bag.
For
2016, conferences are heading towards more technology and more interactive
events that attendees can stay connected with on their mobile devices while in
the conference. This gives event coordinators real-time feedback they can use
immediately.
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