Proven secrets of success
for producing conferences
By Pat Kahnert
Get Ready
1. Assemble a Dream Team conference organizing committee
2. Articulate a Team Dream with defined roles and expectations
3. Create a Theme that will lead conference planning and implementation
4. Establish measurable objectives and desired outcomes
5. Schedule weekly planning meetings
6. Craft an agenda that will "wow" all delegates
7. Prepare a reasonable budget
8. Choose and inspect an appropriate venue
Get Set
9. Negotiate contracts - meeting/guest rooms, meals, other services
10. Select and invite the right delegates and invite them well in advance
11. Appoint and coach emcee(s) who is/are respected by delegates
12. Book guest speakers and brief them on specific expectations
13. Promote the event to build excitement among all delegates
14. Prepare all presentations and support materials
15. Produce audio-visual support - video, overhead, powerpoint, music
16. Book technical support required for entire event
17. Arrange meeting decorations and other special effects
18. Organize takeaway items for all delegates
19. Purchase guest speaker/special guest appreciation gifts
Go
20. Facilitate delegate booking and travel plans
21. Delight each delegate and guest
22. Include recognition and reward at every opportunity
23. Rehearse every detail with emcees, speakers, technical team
24. Produce the best flowing event possible, with minimal delays
25. Survey delegate satisfaction of each element of the program
26. Recap conference results and complete payments/budget review
27. Celebrate success and thank all participants and support team
28. Capture best practices and key learnings for future conferences
Pat Kahnert, Managing Partner, PBK and Associates Inc. can be reached at (905) 337-7933, or pbk@cogeco.ca.
