Conference Event Innovation

Conference Season is upon us. Let's dive into the latest trends:
 _{Yes, conferences are trendy too.}

Unconference: A New Vibe 👋

As IRL events come back to life, there's a shift in thinking about small-scale conferences & summits.

Picture this: an event where the experts still shine, but attendees also take the stage. Unconferences are all about interactive discussions, ditching the same old panels. It's like an expert-led brainstorming session – engaging, dynamic, and attendee-powered. Here's what you get:

• Interactive Empowerment: Attendees drive discussions and topics, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Beyond Q&A: Move beyond the usual 5-minute Q&A at the end of a panel; everyone gets a chance to share their insights.

• More Meaningful Networking: With shared larger conversations, connections become richer and more impactful.

Caitlin Ner & PsyMed Ventures Team did it really well last month. Read it here.

Out-of-the-Box Idea: Subscription Showdown 📊

I recently chatted with a renewals company and had an aha moment. Renewals and subscriptions at work are just like our everyday renewals – think Spotify plans, iCloud storage, ClassPass, and more.

What if you asked attendees about their subscription habits? A scoreboard could show how many people are Team Spotify vs. Team Apple Music – a fun way to spark conversations. Other ideas below:

• Create a Chill Zone: Design a lounge area for attendees to recharge, brainstorm, or even sneak in a quick nap. All you need is soft seating and an inviting atmosphere.

• Coffee Cart Magic: Ditch the traditional mediocre coffee at a conference. Not only will that create buzz with all the attendees, you'll be responsible for happy people. Our fav: Fez Coffee in SF

• Artistic Engagement: Attendees can have the same conversations 30+ times. It’s draining. Interactive art installations can spark creativity and conversations, giving attendees something unique to remember.

• VR Experiences: 2023 is your year.

Swag Strategy 💼

Not all swag is created equal. The right swag can turn heads, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impression.

• Go for quality over quantity.

• Tech organizer pouches – it's a practical tool that helps them keep their devices and accessories organized. They’ll use it daily.

• Stylish tote bags only. Simple design, minimal logos. I still use my notion tote bag. It has small recognizable notion icons, not doesn't say “Notion” anywhere. And yes, fanny packs are still in.

  

  this tote bag is a IFYKYK situation

Happy Hours Post Conference 🍻

If you're hosting an event around a conference, most likely you'll be fighting for attention.

• Go Beyond the Basics: Happy hours need to offer more than just free drinks. Think compelling experiences that keep attendees engaged.

• Live Comedy Roast: Infuse humor into your event with a tech-themed comedy roast. Bonus points if the comedian targets the sponsoring company.

• Trivia Contests: Challenge attendees' knowledge with tech-focused trivia. It's a great conversation starter.

• Outdoor Adventures: Offer unique outdoor experiences, like a morning walk, to create memorable networking opportunities.

There you have it, a fresh take on conference season. Let's make your next event unforgettable! 🎉

Afra Nehal
COO, Afterwork

P.S. We’re offering free event planning to anyone on this newsletter. Ready to make your events unforgettable? Let's chat!