Organising an event for businesses = simple, right? What can go wrong?
Suprisingly, it's not as easy as it seems, largely due to often differing expectations between the customer (the business) and the organiser or people funding the event, such as business support agencies. Businesses want events which are professionally managed and which result in specific goals being achieved - perhaps meeting possible new customers / collaborators or learning new skills. Ultimately an event which they can prove positively impacts their business.
Unfortunately we've all been to events which just don't achieve this. You can leave an event feeling 'what a waste of time!', often sinply because too much has been packed into the agenda for your brain to cope with or you expected something from the event that didn't materialise.
Some top tips:
1. Agree the aims of the event in advance. Make it a clear goal, which both parties understand (the organiser and the people funding the event). The content of the event must stem from this main aim e.g. marketing a new funding scheme or increasing people's skills. Make sure the event achieves this main aim.
2. KISS - keep it simple, stupid. Don't pack too much into an event, especially powerpoint presentations, because attendees will easily get tuned out. Aim for a depth of content, rather than too many speakers.
3. The agenda - leave plenty of time in the day for informal networking e.g. over a break part way through the event. By that time, people will have plenty to talk about from the day to break the ice.
4. Marketing the event - make it clear what information people will learn from the event and who is your ideal attendee. There's nothing worse than having stacks of delegates which hit your targets but the vast majority feel that they've wasted their time. Keep your customer's needs in mind.
5. Learn from your event - keep your mind open that you may need to change things either during or after the event.
Have you attended an event which just didn't work for you? What would you have improved?