“The greatest barrier to success is fear of failure” – Sven Goran Eriksson.
For every conference to be a success, one needs to ensure that one is prepared for failure, and has a set plan to ensure all bases are covered, so there is minimal room for the event to fail.
A conference should have DNA – Direction, Networking and Action!
Direction is when the conference has been planned well, and there is a set schedule, running time, programme and that all speakers are briefed before taking to the podium.
The event must ultimately be leading somewhere of purpose, to a set goal in order for it to be successful. Whether your aim is to inform the public of a product, team-build, discuss a variety of topics relating to a certain issue, train staff, host a fundraising event, gala dinner, or similar, it is key to have a programme of events, with set times for breaks and socialising.
Second, is networking. Networking is especially important at a meeting where there are strangers and the guests do not know each other, as it may lead to potential business and contacts. If you have staff from different branches, it is important for them to network and get to know each other better, so that relationships can be made for a better work flow between them. If you are training a team, it is important for the team to network and discuss different interests and enquiries – this could be done through group discussion and then a feedback session at the conference.
The final need for any conference, is action. Action is the act of fulfilling the goals set out to do – from meeting questions raised at a Question and Answers session, putting a newly learnt skill into action in the workplace, following up on a new lead at a business networking event and even keeping in regular contact with colleagues from the same company, to ensure familiarity.
These three steps are only a tip of the iceberg for a successful conference and can also overlap into life itself, by having direction, making new contacts and taking action to achieve a set goal.
In whatever kind of conference you decide to host, ensure that your ideas are shared with others before hosting the event. It is always wise to gather advice from different perspectives before hosting any event, to avoid wasting unnecessary costs, ensuring the topics are relevant, the guest list is sent their invites and the RSVPs are received timeously, and a plan B list is in place, to avoid having less guests than anticipated.
For your next conference, book at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa who offer a range of conferencing options and provide advice on hosting a successful conference. Contact 033 234 4071.