Maximize the Return on Your Next Conference

By being structured and working according to a clear plan, you will be able to maximize the return on your next conference. You will save time in the planning stage but also achieve unexpected improvements in the execution and summary of your conference. Our tip is to plan your conference based on four focus areas -- read more about them below.

The Practical Aspects

Check off everything practical before you begin, such as venue, food, and accommodation. A change of environment is recommended as it has been proven to stimulate the creative brain. Ensuring that there are pens, access to laptop charging, and that all technology works without issues is a must. A conference typically aims to address a number of focus topics, and time is set aside to devote exclusively to this. You should have the same prioritization in the planning itself. If the purpose had been to organize a kick-off or similar, the priorities would likely have been different, but in this case the main focus is not solely on experiences and entertainment.

Conference Goals

Set up a number of goals for the conference and organize them by priority. Choose carefully and make sure not to fill the time by checking off what is closest on the agenda, but instead try to think long-term. Which topics can you just as well cover in the Monday meeting, and which should be addressed at the conference?

Try to assess how realistic it is that you can get to the bottom of the issue on site, and what information or other resources you will need access to in order to validate your theories and ideas. Also make sure that all participants have all the materials they need to be well prepared for your conference. Create workshops and be creative with how you will break old thinking patterns, and make sure to have an agenda for the days ready. This ensures you don't risk getting stuck on something for too long and creates a sense of urgency.

Present and Implement Results

Be structured from the start and think about how you would like to present the results of the conference to an external person. This gives you an idea of what data or information you need to collect, or what questions you need answered to concretize the results of the conference. There are many digital solutions available today to maximize and streamline this process.

Motivate and Inspire

A conference often aims to motivate and inspire a group of people to work toward the same goal with full force. Make sure not to be greedy and only focus on which questions you can get answers to. Make sure to lay a long-term foundation by ensuring your employees feel motivated, inspired, and above all appreciated. You will end up with an engaged team, which is the greatest recipe for success a conference can have.

Good luck! /Event Logic