As experience producers and advisers we are often asked how to take a more traditional conference from dumping information into attendees to a richer interactive opportunity.  So today I have been thinking it is important to share this: Instead of a conference which can make attendees feel overwhelmed with information; what if you changed the focus to treating the event like a retreat where attendees feel filled with imagination and excitement.

How does this happen?

First you need to start with what does the day after the event look like? Feel like? Do you and your team walk away feeling a feeling of  wow that was amazing we have tingles? Do your attendees walk out the door saying things like “I have attended these conferences before but never have I experienced such a feeling.” or “I am excited to take this information back and grow it into something magical.” This means really taking the time to be thoughtful about your speakers, who are they? There are four types of speakers and if you want to ramp up your next conference it might be time to change up who you are bringing in.

Informational speakers: They share only the information requested to be presented. They are content focused.

Motivational or Persuasive Speakers: They have the content but are looking to fire people up. These speakers jump around and get people excited. They ask people to stand up and to participate.

Inspirational Speakers: These folks bring the informative content but look to move people on a personal level to inspire from within. These folks are best for a self motivated crowd.

Transformational Speakers: This type of speaker moved an audience by pushing them to do, to make changes. This speaker combines, information, motivation and inspiration to change the thought of the room

Cyndi Coon of Laboratory5 guest speaking for a museum audience

Next time – missed opportunities at a conference and how to capture your audience to do all of your promotion!

Cyndi, President of Laboratory5