Conferences were gone for a few years and in the interim what attendees want and expect has changed. Are you up to date with the latest conference trends?
With Millenials fully in the driver’s seat, you can be sure that stuffy carpeted rooms with droning PowerPoint projections are NOT going to cut it. Millennials are all about experiences, so start with a creative and fresh take on the conference check-in process.
1: Make a splash when they walk in the door.
Long lines are a thing of the past. The modern conference has app-enabled check-in and docents walking the entry area equipped with iPads to help anyone who is just arriving. Want to make it even more special? Hire actors and models to enliven the check-in experience, and brand every moment from the first step inside to the last toast.
2: Make it easy to share on social
Creating an experience isn’t just about who is in the room, there’s a whole world out there waiting to hear about your epic conference experience. Place QR codes around your venue. On signs, on light displays for large walls, on napkins, and on tent folds. Invite, encourage and inspire everyone to share on social media with proprietary hashtags and links, social photo booths, and costumed characters or specialty performers who will create photo-worthy moments throughout the event.
3: Get creative with sponsors
Banners and displays are old-school. Invite sponsors to create experiential marketing interactions with themed events or fully immersive branded areas of your conference.
4: Be transformational, not just transactional
Inspire, connect and educate your participants. Think about purposeful presenters who will create a unique and long-lasting impression on your participants’ lives not just while they are at the conference but in their outside lives.
Hiring the right speakers and presenters is just the start. The entire event should feel seamless with staff at the ready to answer questions, and technology optimized to personalize and facilitate a top-tier event experience.
Ready to staff your upcoming event with the most professional engaging talent around?
