When people sign up to attend a conference, they already know what to expect. These events are usually long and boring. Hence, many people try to avoid participating in the programme if there is someone else who can take their place.
As a conference organiser, your primary goal is to ensure that the attendees achieve their goals for being there. If it is a conference where people can get information on the latest technology in their chosen field, you need to have the most qualified speakers take part. If it is a conference for sharing ideas, you need to invite as many people as possible so that there will be lots of opportunities for sharing information.
Apart from the primary goal, you also need to make the event enjoyable. Imagine being in the same venue for several days where attendees usually listen to speeches throughout the day and nothing else. You want to give them a reason to have fun. These tips will keep the conference alive.
Hire entertainers
You need people to break the ice through a song or dance number. It could be someone from the same field. You can only imagine how fun it would be for doctors to see their colleague perform on stage. If the organising team has enough money, you can even invite celebrities to perform.
Organise a social evening
It is also crucial that the attendees have the chance to get to know each other outside of the formal setting. Organise a social night so that everyone can exchange contact information or talk to each other in a relaxed atmosphere. It can be a cocktail party or a themed party.
Start with an ice breaker
Before starting the programme, you need to set aside a few minutes for an ice breaker. You can assign someone to provide a short game or an action song where everyone can participate. These ice breakers are the only chances for people to laugh and relax throughout the day before they get down to business.
Organise a trip
If you are hosting the conference in an exciting place with lots of destinations to visit, it is crucial that you organise a field trip. It could be before or after the conference. The goal is to maximise the time the attendees have in the area. It is also a way to entice more people to attend.
Look for the best venue
You can do all these things if you have a conference venue which is spacious enough to accommodate a lot of people. You also want a place that has exceptional facilities and amenities that participants can enjoy once the programme is over. Look for conference venues with a fascinating view so that during break time, attendees can head out and appreciate their environment before getting back to work. You can check out conference venues Oxfordshire offers if you are holding a conference in the area.
It takes a lot to organise a vital conference involving a lot of people. Make sure that apart from all other logistical details, you also consider how to make the conference fun and exciting for all attendees.