How can you create an inclusive and welcoming conference?

1 Choose a relevant and accessible theme

Your conference theme should reflect the interests and needs of your target audience, as well as the current trends and challenges in your field. It should also be clear, concise, and catchy, to attract attention and curiosity. Moreover, your theme should be accessible for people with different levels of knowledge, experience, and language proficiency. Avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that might exclude or confuse some attendees. Instead, use simple and inclusive language that invites everyone to join the conversation.

2 Design a diverse and balanced agenda

Your conference agenda should offer a variety of topics, formats, and speakers that appeal to different tastes, learning styles, and perspectives. You should aim to include speakers from different backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, cultures, and abilities, as well as speakers with different opinions and viewpoints. You should also balance the amount of time and space given to each speaker, session, and activity, to avoid favoritism or bias. Additionally, you should provide options for attendees to choose their own path, such as breakout rooms, workshops, or Q&A sessions.

4 Encourage interaction and participation

Your conference should be interactive and participatory, rather than passive and boring. You should encourage your attendees to interact and network with each other, as well as with your speakers and staff. You can use tools such as polls, quizzes, games, or social media to create fun and engaging experiences. You can also provide incentives such as prizes, badges, or certificates to motivate and reward your attendees. Moreover, you should solicit feedback and input from your attendees, such as questions, comments, or suggestions, and acknowledge and respond to them promptly and respectfully.

5 Follow up and follow through

Your conference should not end when the last session is over. You should follow up and follow through with your attendees, speakers, and staff, to thank them for their participation, share the highlights and outcomes of the conference, and invite them to stay in touch. You can use email newsletters, blog posts, podcasts, or videos to recap and review the conference. You can also use surveys, testimonials, or reviews to evaluate and improve the conference. Additionally, you can provide resources, referrals, or opportunities for further learning, collaboration, or action, to keep the momentum and impact of the conference going.