When you’re planning on running a conference, there are quite a few rules to go by for making it successful. Read on to find out what they are.
Speaking Should Be 51% Entertainment And 49% Content
Your primary responsibility should be focused on entertaining the audience. That doesn't however equate to magic tricks and jokes but keeping the eyes of the audience on you rather than their laptops. When you’re giving your presentation, it's best to use 2 slides at max per minute of speaking. You may alter from time to time however, suiting your style.
Get Your Theme Right
It's essential to know the theme of your conference or you'll just be throwing stones in the dark. Having a theme helps to unify your ideas and get the appropriate speakers to market to the right people. A simple, punchy topic can go a long way if presented well. Also, make sure that you have a mission statement to put up at the beginning and the end of the conference. While at it, it needs to be so that the message you're delivering explains and complies with the mission statement and helps keep the audience stay on track.
Run With Two or Three
Running a conference can be daunting. That is why you need to find someone reliable who can take the burden when you're stressed, who approves and encourages your ideas and shows enthusiasm and support in your taking of initiatives. Of course, you should value your partners the same. When trust and comfort is present between you and your partner(s), you'll breeze through the preparation if you focus well.
Pick a Comfortable Venue
Make sure the venue you pick has comfortable seating in a suitable venue. You don’t want your guests to be uncomfortable if you’re planning on long hours. Also, the multimedia needs to be just as reliable as being able to perform well throughout the presentation. No one wants disturbances to step just when the speakers are on their crucial points.
Set Your Speakers Early On
It's best to hand-pick your speakers long before the conference. The ones who're exceptionally well have a tight schedule so talk to them in advance. Approaching them personally and asking is a fantastic way to go although phone calls might do the trick. Explain your mission to the prospective speaker and check if it's a match for them. Be honest. You might be inclined towards choosing a first timer whom you think has great potential although it's wiser to go with the pros who've been in the game for a while. Ultimately, when the speech is running, you won't have a chance to go back so make sure they fit your requirements well.