{"id":295,"date":"2019-02-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cos.p10.sol1.net\/uncategorized\/how-to-host-a-successful-conference\/"},"modified":"2024-07-26T06:46:03","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T06:46:03","slug":"how-to-host-a-successful-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/how-to-host-a-successful-conference","title":{"rendered":"How to Host a Successful Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"295\" class=\"elementor elementor-295\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4c31257 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4c31257\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-749099be\" data-id=\"749099be\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4231e5e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4231e5e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A corporate event is a reflection of your business, and your reputation requires you to get it right. Proper organisation is crucial, whether your corporate event is for 10 people or 1000.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Are you feeling that pressure yet? RELAX! We\u2019ve put together a handy guide to help you plan your event and make sure that nothing is forgotten, and your event is both memorable and productive.<\/p><h2>Set a date and budget<\/h2><p>As obvious as this may seem, it\u2019s essential that the date of your event doesn\u2019t overlap with other important dates or holidays. Check the calendar for the most appropriate options and run these by any colleagues who are required to attend.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>A well estimated budget will guide other decisions, allowing you to provide the best quality event without setting the business into arrears.<\/p><h2>Find a venue<\/h2><p>The location of your event is central to other planning.\u00a0\u00a0There\u2019s little point booking an incredible venue two hours from the main city for a one-day event. Likewise, the venue and catering should be able to comfortably accommodate the number of expected attendees. When scouting venues, consider: <span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">How many people will be attending?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Is there ample parking\u00a0and access to public transport?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Is it easy to find?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Does it meet your technological needs?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Are there\u00a0any requirements specific to your\u00a0event?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Does it fit the budget?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Does it suit the duration of the event?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Is the layout suitable to your style of event?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h2>Choose a theme and style the event around it<\/h2><p>This is the fun part! It\u2019s a good idea to have a theme for your corporate \u201cdo\u201d. It gives you a starting point and allows all elements of the event to tie in together. To choose a theme it\u2019s a great idea to hold a brainstorming session with some colleagues to develop a short list.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Once you\u2019ve settled on your theme it\u2019s time to name the event. Choose a name that\u2019s short,\u00a0memorable\u00a0and\u00a0expresses the theme and subject of your event clearly.\u00a0You don\u2019t\u00a0want\u00a0people scratching their heads wondering what they\u2019ve just been invited to.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Now get styling! Ensure any visual material relating to the event\u00a0is\u00a0consistent, including websites, invitations, name tags,\u00a0programmes\u00a0and\u00a0other\u00a0d\u00e9cor. Remember to create a unique hash tag\/s for associated social media promotion. Attendees can use these for posting and networking. #greatidea<\/p><h2>Time for tech<\/h2><p>These days the right technology can make or break a corporate event. You will need to decide what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/category\/technology\">technological needs<\/a> you have:<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Do you need a website built specifically for this event?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Will there be an associated Facebook or Instagram page?\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Will you need to provide Wi-Fi on the day?\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Will the venue\u00a0provide\u00a0microphones and AV equipment for presentations?\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Are there\u00a0sufficient\u00a0outlets, extension cords and charging stations?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Do you require screens or projectors?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Will the event be livestreamed?<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>It\u2019s worth arriving early to test that laptops, memory storage, sound systems and pointers all work correctly. The time spent making sure that technology is working properly will save so much of the time potentially spent fixing undiagnosed issues.\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2>Everyone loves a freebie<\/h2><p>Everyone loves free stuff! Events are a great opportunity to build brand awareness, while also providing a nice thank you gift for attending. Customised gifts are an integral part of any corporate event and can be worked in with your theme for maximum impact.\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Promotional gifts can be directly from your own business or provided by sponsors. You can distribute the gifts in a few different ways \u2013 via a goodie bag, a gift at registration, or a pleasant surprise at the dinner table.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/promo.cos.net.au\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">COS\u2122\u00a0 Print and Promo<\/a> can help you create a huge range of\u00a0personalised\u00a0items for your event.\u00a0<\/p><h2>Food &amp; drinks<\/h2><p>Keeping attendees fed and hydrated is a surefire way to hold their attention. The last thing you want is your audience fading midway through a presentation. <span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Provide\u00a0regular breaks, encourage\u00a0everyone to move around and get their blood pumping, and\u00a0offer a bite to eat and a drink. A simple tea and coffee station for short breaks might be\u00a0enough to wake them\u00a0up.\u00a0Help\u00a0guests get the most out of your event and go home inspired, rather than exhausted.\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Work closely with your venue to make sure there is\u00a0sufficient\u00a0food for everyone and\u00a0that\u00a0special dietary considerations are remembered.<\/p><h2>Supplies<\/h2><p>The quickest way to undo all your hard work is to forget something, even if it seems small and seemingly trivial. Make a list of all the supplies you will need for a successful event. This could include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/office-products\/boards-flipcharts-and-accessories\">whiteboards<\/a>, markers and erasers, flipcharts, pens, highlighters, notebooks, flags, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/office-products\/Sticky-Notes-Tabs-and-Flags\">sticky\u00a0notes<\/a>.\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>It&#8217;s unlikely that attendees will bring their own supplies, so it\u2019s important to provide them. Use\u00a0our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/promo.cos.net.au\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Print and Promo<\/a> service to\u00a0customise\u00a0pens and notebooks for your guests to use and take back to the office. It\u2019ll keep your brand top of mind!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style3 like-295 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='like' data-post_id='295' data-nonce='3c6d52cef8' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Did you find this useful?' \/><span class='lc-295 lc'>+1<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class='action-unlike'><a class='unlbg-style3 unlike-295 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='unlike' data-post_id='295' data-nonce='3c6d52cef8' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='' \/><span class='unlc-295 unlc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <div class='status-295 status align-left'><\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A corporate event is a reflection of your business, and your reputation requires you to get it right. Proper organisation is crucial, whether your corporate event is for 10 people or 1000.\u00a0 Are you feeling that pressure yet? RELAX! We\u2019ve put together a handy guide to help you plan your event and make sure that &#8230; <a title=\"How to Host a Successful Conference\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/how-to-host-a-successful-conference\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Host a Successful Conference\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":296,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,8],"tags":[66,67],"class_list":["post-295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cospedia","category-productivity","tag-conference-planning","tag-planning"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=295"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43008,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295\/revisions\/43008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/296"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}