We love all things events but sometimes we have to admit that a conference can be a little bit old school and perhaps that means that your key messages aren’t being communicated effectively. Well we say it’s time to shake things up a little bit because who says that conferences have to be the same old formats?
Informal Breakfasts / Brunch
Who doesn’t love breakfast or brunch, it’s one of our favourite meals of the day! So why not create an informal open discussion over some smashed avo or a delicious granola bowl sprinkled with all your favourite fruit toppings – a place to discuss your business plans, generate new ideas and just catch up all together. Take it up a gear with a speaker led session that then leads into an interesting and encouraging open table talk, where guests can express their views and feelings about whatever the topic may be.
Silent Disco Talks
Okay, so we all LOVE a silent disco but why does this concept just have to apply to a night out with your mates – let’s bring this idea and turn it on its head. Picture this… multiple channels all with different speakers and topics, guests can decide which concept best relates to the delegate. Of course, if you only have one focus for your conference perhaps this idea isn’t quite right but it would work wonders at a large exhibition that features different talks and conferences.
‘Speed Dating’ Conference Style
We all know what speed dating is in the traditional sense but maybe it’s time to bring this concept into the event world and create a new conference style that is still informative but lighting quick. Each table has a host or speaker (depending on your preference) with 8 to 10 people on each table, the ‘mini’ conference then begins for around 15 – 20 minutes with an open discussion format – once time is up, delegates move onto the next table. This is a great way to get people engaging with one another and perhaps with people they don’t usually work with.
The Facilitator
Don’t be fooled, this may start as your standard conference with a speaker on a stage and an audience but this format quickly reverses the content onto the delegates. The speaker will then become the facilitator inviting the delegates to ask questions or present ideas based around the subject matter. This format allows the delegates to drive their own learning and concepts. One of the best ways to get everyone’s voice heard is to introduce these genius microphone balls to the format (why didn’t we think of this?!)… rather than having runners trying to pass a microphone from one end to the other, the ball can easily be gently thrown (this isn’t dodgeball) ensuring that the conversation never dies down.
