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What makes a good conference venue?

Posted on 9 Maggio 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

The choice of venue will clearly depend on the kind of event you are hosting, but there are certain variables that are always considered before a decision is made.

Establishing the size of the conference will be the starting point when choosing a venue. The size and accompanying needs of different conferences need to be dealt with in a bespoke manner.

Another key variable for a good conference venue is location: a venue that can cater for an international as well as national and regional audience is becoming a key priority for some organisers.

A conference venue that is easily accessible and in a prime location can often be a deciding factor, so good transport links are a necessity.

To add to this, a venue needs to set the right tone for a conference to ensure that delegates leave with the right impression about the host.

An extra component that it is becoming increasingly essential for a good conference venue is technology.

With the rise of the mobile workforce and the need to stay connected while on the move, the technology requirements for events and meetings have evolved.

Video conferencing facilities and social media packages will most likely become a pre-requisite for organisers looking to extend the reach of their event to a wider audience.

Coupled with this, robust WiFi throughout the venue can bolster this kind of offering.

While each of these factors holds significant standalone importance, feedback from our own customers suggests that what really makes a difference is the service they receive from the moment of enquiry to the post–event follow up.

In this fast-paced business environment, venues need to be able to provide for the extensive needs of organisers.

By working in collaboration with the client at every stage, venues can match and exceed expectations down to every last detail, whether this be by creating a unique menu that matches dietary requirements; correct room specifications or a team of specialists to help with AV equipment.

To add to this, a good conference venue will be flexible when it comes to service and transparent when it comes to price. A friendly team adds immense value to a venue as does a dedicated event manager who is aware of all that is required.

Coupled with this, the reassurance that there will not be any hidden costs when it comes to making that final payment is key.

Who do you meet at conferences? [Infographic]

Posted on 6 Maggio 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

Where there is a weekend, conferences and networking events are sure to follow.

These gatherings can provide an ample opportunity to listen in on hot topics that can better your business, gain sage advice from those folks that have been there done that and participate in discussion on subjects close to your heart. Still, networking tends to be the number one reason to attend these often overpriced events.

Since you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck, learn who to seek out and those you should avoid. Between the must-meet founders and keynote speakers, there will be some people you’ll want to meet. Others, who include the “stressed-out guy” and the “sales person,” may be good candidates to avoid.

Want to know more people you should rub shoulders with at conferences? In the infographic from mobile-networking app Bizzabo (below), check out the 10 different types of people you’ll likely meet at a conference:

DOs and DON’Ts for Corporate Events

Posted on 4 Maggio 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

You and your employees work hard to make your business successful, and it’s important to recognize that effort every once in a while.

For your next office party, try something a little different: a unique event venue like ours will make your corporate party fun, memorable and something everyone will actually want to attend!

Check out our infographic for corporate event planning tips, including info on who you should and shouldn’t invite to your event:

How effective are your meetings? [Infographic]

Posted on 2 Maggio 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

Every meeting—online or in person—is an investment of time, money and resources.

A good sales meeting takes the prospect to the next step. A good project management meeting synchronizes the team and supports on-time, on-budget project outcomes.

Follow the infographic below and find out how effective your meetings are:

8 Tips to Be an Awesome Networker at Conferences

Posted on 29 Aprile 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

Attending conferences is a great way to stay up to date and learn new ways to improve your business. Here some tips to follow to improve your network at conferences.

1. Create a list of prospects before the event

You should have a list of people you want to connect with before even arriving at the conference location. This allows you to do a little preliminary research to prepare for potential encounters — things such as identifying mutual connections or interests can help break the ice and lead to a smooth introduction.

Every conference website will have a list of speakers and some will even feature journalists and members of the media that are scheduled to attend. Another way to locate attendees is to search Twitter for conference related hashtags.

Having your networking targets identified in advance establishes a goal — you will network with more people this way rather than just wondering around aimlessly without a plan.

2. Stay at the event venue hotel

You might be able to save a few dollars if you book a hotel down the street or across town, but you will miss out on so much valuable networking time. You aren’t going to make any introductions or engage in small talk during the actual presentations — that happens before and after.

Leave your room early in the morning and get ready to network. Stick around after the sessions to continue your networking crusade. If you are traveling back and forth from the conference venue and another hotel you miss some of the most valuable networking opportunities.

3. Attend all planned social events

Some of the best connections are made at the hotel bar and during planned networking events — people are more laid back in a relaxed social setting. Mix in a few cocktails and guards are down, the vibe is welcoming and everyone is willing to mingle.

You should make sure to hang out there in the evenings and during downtime — even if you aren’t a drinker.

4. Practice selling yourself in under 30 seconds

When you are introduced to someone you want to be able to tell them about who you are and what you do — but most people don’t have time, nor do they want to stand there and listen to you talk for several minutes.

Master a 30-second self-pitch. They key is to make it interesting without it sounding like an overly promotional sales pitch.

What do you do? Where are you from? What are two interesting and memorable facts about you? Use this information and create your introduction — make sure the individual that you introduce yourself to is going to have a clear picture of you. They won’t forget you because your introduction was both clever and memorable.

5. Be armed with business cards at all times

You should have business cards on you at all times — keep some in your pocket and in your laptop bag. You should even keep some in your carry-on bag when you travel to conferences — airport lounges, rental car counters and baggage carousels all present networking opportunities prior to a big conference.

You don’t want to be the person that is just handing out business cards to anyone that will take one. I will initiate the business card exchange after an introduction if I want to connect with the person again after the conference. If not, I don’t offer my card.

6. Make eye contact, shake hands and be confident

Remember one thing — you aren’t the only person that is going to be out networking. There are going to be some people that are on the radar of every attendee. First impressions are everything. Make sure you make eye contact with your target, smile, be pleasant, shake hands and emit confidence.

If you are shy, at least pretend you are having a good time and enjoying yourself.

7. Be a listener, not a bragger or boaster

When starting a conversation with someone or joining in a group discussion make sure you don’t become the bragger or boaster. If you attend conferences regularly you know who I am referring to, as it never fails — there is always one person that wants to constantly tell everyone how great he or she is, and how their company is “crushing it.”

Show a genuine interest in everyone you are introduced to and listen to what they have to say. All rewarding business relationships are born when there is a genuine connection made — not a BS session followed by a business card exchange.

8. Follow up with everyone you met

As soon as you get home from the conference, reach out to all of the connections you made while networking. Send out an email letting them know how much you enjoyed meeting them and schedule a time to speak in more detail right away.

You are more likely to get them to commit to a phone call or meeting right after the conference than you would be if you reached out to them months or even weeks after. Get them to commit while your introduction is still a fairly recent memory.

What other tips do you have for effective conference networking? Share them in the comment section below.