10 Simple Steps to Plan a Successful Conference
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Loading... - Veronique Ndzana
- 30 Aug 2022
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1. Determine the “Why”
Sit down with your partners (if you have them) and talk through the end goal of the conference. Is it to generate revenue? Secure new clients? Get publicity? Keep this goal in mind as you proceed through the rest of the list.
2. Create your wish list
In an ideal world, what would your conference look like? Jot down details such as location, speakers, number and quality of participants, food, and fun activities.
3. Draft a budget
How will you pay for your event? Investigate any resources you can use for free (such as donated space) and what you can charge participants to cover costs and still make a profit (if that is a goal). Make a budget spreadsheet listing the major cost items of your wish list – location rental, staff, speakers, meals, signage, audio/visual equipment, printed materials, giveaways, and fun extras. Don’t forget to include costs for marketing the event, such as a website, and build in a 10 to 15 percent cushion in case expenses run over.
4. Choose practically
Cost will obviously be a factor in choosing where to hold your event and what services to provide, but so will attendance. You want to select a location that is either in the same city as many participants, or close to it.
Your ideal speaker may be Donald Trump, but realistically you probably need to go with a less-pricey option. A resort is certainly appealing, but does it have enough meeting and personal rooms, and will participants enjoy the locale enough to pay a premium?
Consider polling participants from past events like yours to understand what’s most important when attending such a conference and make selections based on this feedback. Read More...
