Need to reimagine your event or improve results but your organization is stuck in the past?

The realization that changes are needed for your event can creep up slowly or come suddenly. New executive leadership, missed financial goals, a competitive threat, downturn in the economy or other disruptions can really rock the boat for associations. An event operation once perceived as efficient and steady can suddenly seem inflexible and reactive, making … Continue reading “Need to reimagine your event or improve results but your organization is stuck in the past?”

Are You Tripping Over Dollars to Pick Up Pennies?

Recently a meeting planner was struggling with what she perceived to be a serious problem. The issue was that speakers who chose the special no-cost speaker registration option (which does not include any meal functions) were attending meal functions anyway. Her inclination going forward was to reinforce the rule in writing to speakers, as well as policing … Continue reading “Are You Tripping Over Dollars to Pick Up Pennies?”

Who decides when your show is a success?

A question was posted recently on a trade show forum asking readers if there is a ratio of attendees to booths that can be used to measure an event’s success. I felt compelled to respond although I knew my answer to this person’s question was probably not what they had hoped for or expected. Here then was … Continue reading “Who decides when your show is a success?”

Advice on the Challenges with Collecting Registration Fees

An event planner sought help recently regarding challenges with collecting registration fees. They allow persons to register and pay by check, but many such payments were still outstanding even by the start of the event. This left them chasing payment onsite. Making matters worse was the fact that many of these unpaid registrants became no-shows. Here’s the advice I … Continue reading “Advice on the Challenges with Collecting Registration Fees”

Merging Two Conferences Into One

An association organizer was concerned that her staff was stretched to the breaking point trying to manage two annual events and was contemplated merging the two into one. She was interested in understanding the process for managing this change. Obviously, with so many factors at play, not to mention the potential for unintended consequences, I suggested that … Continue reading “Merging Two Conferences Into One”