| Very few invitees have any idea how much work | | | | something strange or fun - keep in mind to display it |
| goes into planning a memorable or effective | | | | for the attendees to see and describe it before you |
| conference planning. What they do remember, is the | | | | state the winner. Consider a door prize for each day |
| fun they had meeting with other individuals, | | | | of the gathering. |
| exchanging tales and having a good experience. | | | | 11. Look out for prizes at bargain shops, fun shops, |
| When participants are calm and jolly they also learn | | | | and toy stores. |
| quicker and absorb more data. Here are some ideas | | | | 12. Don't forget to look after your advertisers. You |
| on how to organize a fun meeting while adding to | | | | can share this list, tell them about your theme and |
| your conference planning skills. | | | | the fun you've planned and get them involved. The |
| 1. Pick a catchy title - one that promises fun and | | | | advertisers may even have a few thoughts you |
| matches the theme of your meeting. You can always | | | | could utilize. |
| have a serious sub title. Try to display the concept | | | | 13. Give prizes during the meeting. These can be |
| of fun in your advertising and pre-meeting | | | | given to attendees who have completed something |
| correspondence. This tips is key to effective | | | | useful, silly or funny. If your organization or |
| conference planning. | | | | Association is small, you could also give reward gifts |
| 2. Open with impact - consider having a light-hearted | | | | for performance/contribution outside of the seminar. |
| start that embraces the place, gathering theme and | | | | 14. PUT THE LIGHTS ON AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN. If |
| the nature of your attendees. This tip is also critical | | | | you have to turn lights off to utilize electronic |
| to effective conference planning. | | | | presenting aids, then hold a spot light on the |
| 3. Conference survival kits or 'fun packs' - miniature | | | | presenter and turn the lights on again after the |
| or enormous can be given on arrival or on each chair. | | | | presentation. Darkness saps the life of the |
| Or use just the one as a door prize. | | | | presenters and attendees. |
| 4. Utilize cartoons that may be photocopied and put | | | | 15. Plan fun 'tea' breaks - instead of the usual tea |
| on every seat/table at the meeting or lunch. They | | | | coffee and crackers, think about other items such as |
| could also be screened electronically throughout the | | | | bowls of fruit, popcorn, ice creams, toffee apples, |
| gathering and between presenters. You can use any | | | | fairy floss, bags of lollies, hot dogs, soft drinks or |
| of ours from any book. | | | | perhaps something grown or developed locally. You |
| 5. The meeting convener and planners could identify | | | | may be able to get sponsorship for these items. |
| themselves by wearing hats, t-shirts, badges etc that | | | | 16. Stand up/stretch breaks - we have these in our |
| reflect the title/theme of gathering. Name badges for | | | | conferences to keep attendees awake and attentive. |
| invitees are more useful if the first and last names | | | | Assign a 'stand up monitor' and provide them a |
| are huge font. Names are more important than the | | | | whistle or sound maker to communicate the breaks, |
| conference logo/name - they know where they are. | | | | at least between presenters. Play music and get |
| 6. The registration table is the crucial department. So | | | | someone to direct the break from the stage - dance, |
| have the people who are welcoming attendees, | | | | twist, do aerobics or even a good march in the spot. |
| looking well dressed and standing up to show interest | | | | 16. Evaluations - if you're serious about these, then |
| and joy. | | | | you need to allow time for completion during the |
| 7. Entertainment adds to the atmosphere and | | | | conference and gather them immediately. Keep them |
| creates expectancy. Use it in the foyer when | | | | short and to the point.The tips received can enhance |
| attendees arrive, at dinner and during breaks. | | | | your conference planning skills. |
| Consider buskers, musical groups, solo performers | | | | 17. Keep up the momentum - don't let the |
| and even a clown or two. | | | | conference fade out towards the end - even if the |
| 8. Play joyous songs for invitees to hear as they | | | | organisers have to fake the momentum required to |
| enter the main place and to start as they leave. | | | | keep things going. Plan surprises for the participants |
| Select songs and lyrics that reflect the theme of the | | | | at least equal to your welcome activities. Walk out |
| conference. | | | | songs, entertainment and have organisers reachable |
| 9. Brighten the registration desk/and location(s) with | | | | at the door to thank and farewell invitees. If you plan |
| balloons, streamers, 'Welcome' signs and anything | | | | a good finish it will become a lasting memory for |
| that reflects the theme of the meeting, the | | | | invitees and may affect their decision to come to |
| geographical location, special days, keynote or nature | | | | your next seminar. |
| of the group attending. A glitter trail on the floor, | | | | Conference Planning can be a difficult job, but it is |
| stars on the tables, Autumn leaves, sand etc. | | | | our desire that utilizing this advice should help you in |
| 10. Entrance prizes are always great ideas and can be | | | | your conference planning tasks. |