Conference planning can be a daunting task, no matter how many times you’ve done it before. From small-scale conferences to larger events, conference planners must have an exceptional eye for detail and a foolproof memory. Luckily for you, our team at MYeventplanner is skilled in planning conferences from start to finish, and we’ve put together a guide on everything you need to keep in mind when planning yours!
Need any help with conference planning? Get in touch to find out how our services can facilitate the process and ensure your upcoming event runs smoothly!
Conference Planning: Before You Begin
Before you begin making calls and booking venues, it’s important to lay the groundwork. How many people are you planning on hosting? Where are they based? What are the main goals you want to achieve through this conference?
Once you’ve answered these key questions, you can move on to the next steps.
Venue Sourcing
Since venues tend to get booked up months (if not years) in advance, it’s important to start looking for your ideal venue as soon as you know on which dates your conference will take place. The venue you choose will depend on the size of your conference, as well as the facilities you require such as breakout rooms and technology. Viewing different venues and gathering quotes can help you compare your options based on practicality and budgets.
Transport Services
Planning how people will get to and from your conference is an essential step, particularly if guests are staying in different hotels. Choosing a reliable transport partner will help ensure that all guests arrive where they need to be (and on time!) to avoid delays in your schedule.
Catering Services
No conference is complete without food, and choosing the right catering is key to keeping your delegates happy and satisfied throughout the event.
Technology
Having the right technology in place will help elevate your conference to the next level. This includes audiovisual equipment, sound equipment and lighting – all of which will help create the right ambience for your conference.
Branding Opportunities
Whether your delegates will be employees, clients or a general audience, the conference provides an excellent opportunity to promote your brand. This can be done through promotional materials such as branded backdrops and banners, as well as through a range of branded merchandise.
Speakers and Entertainment
Sure, conferences usually take place in a professional context, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Choosing the right speakers can bring excitement to your event, and mixing in some different types of entertainment can help delegates recharge in between the more educational parts of the conference.
Conference Agenda
When it comes to creating your conference agenda, there’s no such thing as too much detail. Break down your days from start to finish, noting the beginning and end times for each activity. Having a structured conference agenda will help you stay on track throughout the day, and prevent you from having late finishes or missed activities.
Promotion
Once your conference is planned and booked, it’s time to start promoting it to your target audience. If your delegates are already known to you, you may opt for an internal marketing campaign such as through a company intranet or mailshot. If you’re aiming to attract guests from near and far, however, you could design a full-blown advertising campaign through social media or other digital marketing channels to maximise sales.
Ready to kick-start your conference planning?
Get in touch with the MYeventplanner team to find out how we can support you in making your next event a success!