How can you ensure your program development aligns with conference objectives?

In developing the content for our conferences, we spend a lot of time listening to our target audience and community, and we read between the lines to determine: - What are they REALLY asking that deserves to be discussed on our platform? - What else is not being said, that can give us clues to other “unmet, unarticulated needs” (to quote Satya Nadella) that likewise deserve time, space, and attention? When you listen and look closely enough, you’ll see patterns that point to topics that your audience REALLY cares about. Don’t settle for mediocre themes and programming that others have already done. Go out on a limb and dare to tackle unexplored topics that deserve airtime.

Des objectifs clairs et mesurables à penser en amont (retours/statistiques diverses), peuvent être utile tactiquement pour pouvoir mesurer les effets d'une conférence de manière efficace.

One thing that I have found helpful is knowing what you want to achieve during the programme development prior to starting outreach for research. Within the first few calls you can start to see the angle and key topics start to form and can dig deeper into the content that will be covered in the agenda. The people you are speaking to tend to make up the audience that will attend the event so it's first hand insight into what they are looking to learn or hear about and what format helps them engage with the content.

Podríamos decir que; - Tener claro el objetivo. - Hacerlo objetivo; no subjetivo. - Conocer tu público, perfilarlo y tratar de ubicarlo en el contexto de lo que te puedan aportar. - Lo que no se mide, no se controla. - Mecanismos de medición de tiempo, encuestas. - Ser facilitador para que el objetivo se vuelva de entendible. - Lograr que tu audiencia lo encuentre por si mismos.

It is important to plan content so that attendees have a net gain. For example, most states require attorneys required to have a certain number of minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) hours. Attorneys want and expect to get MCLE credit for workshops they attend at conference. Knowledge and networking is important but so is fulfilling requirements and gaining practical tools to apply to your work. Conferences should include sessions where attendees can develop practical skills that they can take back to their jobs and apply and even teach others.

Develop program content that directly addresses the themes and objectives of the conference. Ensure that the sessions, workshops, and presentations are aligned with the overarching goals.

Les conférences longues doivent, si possible, contenir des pauses de quelques minutes (par exemple toutes les heures) pour que l'auditoire puisse rester totalement concentré.

The format of the training program will mainly depend on the available time and resources, but it is highly recommended to include different formats, as far as possible, for example, combining knowledge capsules with longer practical work sessions. Interaction with participants is key. Speakers or teachers are facilitators, but real learning comes from the participants.

I like to check and re-check to make sure I strongly evaluate the process that I’m using to assure myself there will be a small minimum of mistakes, if any.

Collaboration and Networking: Foster collaboration with other program developers, speakers, and partners to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach. Leverage their expertise to enhance the program's alignment with conference objectives.

Toujours faire extrêmement attention à ne jamais faire de discrimination sur les choix et ne pas se laisser influencer par nos opinions politiques personnelles ou celles des personnes invitées pour cette étape de sélection dds intervenants !

The target audience will drive how you find and select speakers. While it’s essential that a speaker be knowledgeable about the topic, it is equally important how they present and their ability to engage with the audience. Many teens will be bored silly with a lecture no matter how fascinating the topic. The presenter should be able to engage their audience; perhaps the presentation is interactive where the audience can answer question through live polls. The planner should help plan the presentation. I often suggest a proposed outline of topics,but allow the presenter to use their unique style. I also give the presenter information about what should be covered and what the audience expects.

Always check back with the objectives set to ensure that our program is aligned to them. Refine the program once any misalignment is spotted. The objectives should serve to be our anchor ?

How you promote a program will depend on the organization and the tools available to the organization. It’s important to have a clear agenda and program before promotion begins. Additionally, it’s helpful to have a theme so that communications can be built around that theme. Promotion is driven by the target audience. Digital natives often get information through social media platforms whereas baby boomers or Gen X may rely more on email directly to them. You have advertise through all channels. Highlight the speaker, content, or benefit so that the audience wants to attend. There’s no need to provide the total agenda, but provide enough to entice them to register and attend!

Ensure you are getting feedback from your peers, thought leadership/Advisory Boards, and those that you spoke to during research. This can help identify anything missing or different perspectives on topics on the agenda. Ensuring that you also partner with the right organizations to promote the event is vital, these partnerships can ensure you reach a wider audience.

Toujours rester professionnel. Les conférences peuvent parfois être très conviviales mais il ne faut pas oublier le contexte professionnel.

Always plan for an emergency backup and stay as prepared as possible. Things in this industry will go wrong. You have to prepare yourself properly. By preparing yourself, I also mean your health and a peaceful state of mind.