Event Programming: Make it Memorable
Creating a conference program that captivates attendees and stands out from the rest doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few steps to consider when designing an engaging and memorable program:
1. Engaging Your Audience
To create a program that resonates, you need to understand who your attendees are and what they want. Go beyond the basics—what are their biggest challenges, aspirations, or industry pain points? Gather this information through pre-event surveys, social media polls, past event data, or insight from stakeholders.
Our team synthesizes data, insights, and trends to identify what is coming that attendees may not have even considered.
Consider: Include personalized content recommendations in your conference app. Use AI-powered algorithms to suggest sessions based on attendees' interests and backgrounds.
2. Repetition=Remembrance
A strong theme keeps your conference on track, but why stop at just a catchy title? Weave your theme into every element of the event, from the invitation and website to the stage design and networking activities. A theme that resonates will not only tie the program together but keep people engaged throughout.
We have found that clever themes or concepts that have been the topic of discussion of attendees over the past year are often well-received.
Consider: For a leadership conference with the theme “Leading in a Digital Age,” integrate virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) into the sessions, allowing participants to experience futuristic leadership scenarios or digital transformation firsthand.
3. Memorable Sessions
People get tired after long, drawn-out sessions. Instead of sticking to traditional formats, create a dynamic mix that keeps energy high. Shorten presentations and integrate hands-on activities. Incorporate a blend of content sharing, discussion, and interactive activities with application to address the diverse learning preferences of adult participants.
Aligning sessions with an andragogical model, or with the adult learner in mind, has proven highly effective for engagement and positive feedback for our programming.
Consider: Involve problem-solving exercises, role-playing scenarios, or collaborative projects that relate to the conference themes; this style enhances retention and helps attendees apply what they’ve learned in real-world contexts. Set up small, informal discussion tables where participants rotate every 20-30 minutes. Each table focuses on a different topic, allowing attendees to engage in meaningful conversations and share insights. This format encourages collaboration and networking while allowing diverse viewpoints to emerge on each subject. The key to sessions is to make sure there is a “call to action” that encourages participants to incorporate lessons learned that will increase their success.
4. Speakers Are A Big Deal
Your speakers are the connective tissue that ties together the event. While you want experts, don’t overlook rising stars or thought leaders outside your industry who can offer fresh perspectives. A blend of seasoned pros and innovators can spark inspiration in ways traditional speakers might not.
Humor is not lost on us, finding speakers who can deliver valuable content and make the crowd laugh is the sweet spot.
Consider: Host a well-structured reverse keynote where instead of a speaker addressing the audience, the speaker asks questions of the attendees. This crowdsourced learning experience encourages audience interaction and shifts the focus from passive listening to active engagement.
5. Networking - Torture Method for Introverts
The real magic of conferences often happens outside the sessions—during networking opportunities. Go beyond the typical coffee breaks and make these moments stand out. Offer creative ways for attendees to meet, share ideas, and collaborate.
Two approaches that continue to be well received, are making sessions interactive for more organic connections as well as diverse social activities based on interests like hiking and yoga.
Consider: Set up “speed mentoring” sessions or host thematic roundtables where participants can interact with speakers and industry leaders in a more intimate setting. Add an element of gamification, like trivia games or service projects, to encourage organic connections and make networking more fun and purposeful.
By incorporating these innovative approaches, you’ll design an engaging and memorable conference program that stands out in an increasingly competitive event space. Looking for more ideas or support to craft your next unforgettable conference? Steele Roar is here to help you take your event to the next level!
