Every detail has been checked, more than once in fact. You’re ready to begin the event. But what are you expecting from you event? Do you want everyone to be talking about it for weeks on end or have your supervisor or client tell you what a difference the event has made? Of course you do! It’s so much more rewarding when you receive accolades for all of your hard work. But how will that happened if your speaker doesn’t engage your audience? When I speak at an event I typically interview at least six to eight of the attendees and make sure that I cover a range from the least senior to the most senior within the company to understand what the challenges are, what they expect from the event and how they believe I can engage the majority of the attendees. It is one of the best ways to ensure your event is well received. It makes a major difference when your speaker customizes their presentation for you and thoroughly understands your needs. Too often speakers prepare a boiler-plated presentation that is exactly the same no matter where they’re presenting. You’ll want to make sure the speakers you choose create a customized presentation so your event will have a more positive impact.
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Choosing Your Venue
October 27, 2009 — Sharyn AbbottWhat should you look for in a venue for your event? Do you choose the facility because of the location, convenience or based on your budget?
It’s just as important to consider your attendees comfort. I was at an event where the event planner didn’t event think to provide water for the attendees, I understand that adding coffee and tea is cost prohibitive because hotels charge per person whether the coffee is consumed or not. Yet having the attendees comfortable is just as important to the success as the material being presented.
Some of the items you will want to consider are the ease of finding the location, having ample parking, availability of a coffee shop or deli, choices for a variety of foods and the environment should be conducive to listening and learning.
You might choose a venue because it is less expensive and impacts your budget more positively, yet the results might be your attendees are uncomfortable and therefore don’t absorb the material presented,
On the other hand, you might discover the venue has a noise level conflict from construction or event an event which is in the same location. Distracting noise can be devastating for your attendees,
Knowing to ask the question about food availability, noise or distractions from the facility coordinator ahead of time will help you avoid devastating mishaps for event.
Sharyn Abbott 