What are the most important resources for learning about Conference Organization?

1 Books and Guides

One of the most accessible and comprehensive resources for learning about conference organization is books and guides. There are many books and guides available that cover different aspects of conference organization, such as budgeting, marketing, logistics, programming, evaluation, and more. Some examples are The Complete Guide to Successful Event Planning by Shannon Kilkenny, Conference Planning and Management by David L. Williams, and How to Organize a Conference: A Practical Guide for Researchers and Academics by Catherine Hakala-Ausperk. These books and guides can provide you with practical tips, best practices, checklists, templates, and case studies that can help you plan and execute a successful conference.

2 Online Courses and Webinars

Another useful resource for learning about conference organization is online courses and webinars. Online courses and webinars can offer you interactive and flexible learning opportunities that can fit your schedule and learning style. You can find online courses and webinars on various platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, Eventbrite, and Skillshare, that cover topics such as event management, event design, event marketing, event technology, and more. Some examples are Event Management: Learn the Skills to Plan any Event by Event Academy, Event Design: Creating Memorable Experiences by IE Business School, and Event Marketing: How to Connect with Your Audience by Northwestern University. These online courses and webinars can help you gain new skills, insights, and certificates that can boost your conference organization skills.

3 Professional Associations and Networks

Another valuable resource for learning about conference organization is professional associations and networks. Professional associations and networks can offer you access to industry standards, best practices, trends, and opportunities in conference organization. You can join professional associations and networks that are relevant to your field, such as the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), or the Association of Event Organisers (AEO). These professional associations and networks can provide you with membership benefits, such as publications, newsletters, webinars, events, awards, and certifications that can help you learn and improve your conference organization skills.

5 Conferences and Events

Another important resource for learning about conference organization is conferences and events. Conferences and events can offer you firsthand experience and exposure to conference organization. You can attend conferences and events that are relevant to your field, interest, or goal, and observe how they are organized, managed, and delivered. You can also volunteer, intern, or work at conferences and events, and gain practical skills and knowledge in conference organization. You can also network with conference organizers, speakers, sponsors, and attendees, and learn from their perspectives and feedback. These conferences and events can help you discover new ideas, trends, and opportunities in conference organization, as well as showcase your skills and potential.

6 Online Resources and Tools

Another helpful resource for learning about conference organization is online resources and tools. Online resources and tools can offer you convenient and cost-effective access to information and solutions in conference organization. You can find online resources and tools on various websites, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and social media platforms that cover topics such as conference planning, design, marketing, technology, and more. Some examples are Event Manager Blog, Event Industry News, Event Tech Podcast, Eventbrite Blog, and Event Planner Group on LinkedIn. These online resources and tools can provide you with tips, insights, news, trends, and examples that can help you learn and update your conference organization skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?