YOU

Great 8 Qualities and conference production

  • Being creative – no creativity, no success
  • Results driven – the destiny of the conference is fundamentally in your hands
  • Adaptable – conferences rarely end up as we plan
  • Influencing others – getting confirmations from the really big guy
  • Commitment to growth – where you want your conference to be, where you want to be
  • Puts First Things First – if you are not organised you screw the whole thing. Read Stephen Covey’s First Things First and get the full story!
  • Customer focus – we are only in the business of producing creative and valuable events for our Customers
  • Team player – conference success demands collaboration internally and externally

Some other things

  • Being curious. The more you crave knowledge, the more you fall in love with your topic the more successful you will be. If you are not able to do this stop now.
  • Rejection. Great Conference Managers thrive on rejection by being resilient, persistent and creative about problem solving.

Working smart

Conference production is deadline oriented. You will be most effective in your role – and less stressed – by putting First Things First and managing your time in an exemplary way.

Some tips

  • Call plan: to make calls 08:00 – 11:00; 14:00 – 16:00
  • Creative and researching time – minimum two hours per day
  • Write the conference program as well as you can, as quick as you can
  • Invite keynotes as soon as you have identified them and before you have written the Program
  • Invite “exotic” presenters very early in the production cycle
  • Send multiple invitations for every part of the agenda – don’t wait for responses
  • When waiting for confirmations use the time for research, writing, working on your next project
  • Start writing brochure copy and sales letter from day one of the project – keep refining it as you go
  • Only ever submit Final Copy – needless alterations eat into everyone’s valuable time, including your own

Craft

Conference Management is a craft that demands a lot of the craftsmanship:

  • The more you learn and the more you are prepared to learn the better you will be
  • Seek out and learn from mentors – those who are the best
  • Uphold extremely high standards and values at all times
  • Aim high and always aim to exceed your previous best
  • Learn from your successes and your mistakes
  • Love what you do and work with love