Elissa Sieh, CPA’s Post

Interesting article on the need to rethink how events are done - what else would you be happy to see eliminated from meetings, and what fresh ideas can replace them? #meetingprofs #eventprofs #eventsindustry

Ever found yourself at a conference or event on the verge of nodding-off, or thinking... "This could use a shake-up"? A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to a 'remuneration conference' in the City of London, by a friend who thought it would be a good fit for my keynote speaking next year. Despite not having a specific interest in the event's theme, I decided to attend and was met with the same response from everyone I spoke to: 'Wow, this is going to be a bit dry for you!' Now, the conference content was fine – if you're into that sort of thing – but it got me thinking... No matter the conference or event, there's always room for something thought-provoking, eye-opening, that breaks the mold and gets people talking. So, I'm on the lookout for events where audiences are craving a thought-provoking interlude. After all, who wants to risk everyone nodding off in their seats? So, I want to hear from you! Which events or conferences have you attended that could have benefited from a disruptive speaker to wake everyone up and give them a day back in their calendar? #KeynoteSpeaker #DisruptiveThinking #ConferenceInnovation #EngageYourAudience

Conferences are a grind, but the great ones are worth it. And the Modern Retailing Conference was worth it. - They are like speed dating, but you better take great notes. - It's also like drinking information and inspiration from a fire hose. - One moment you may feel like you know everyone in the room and the next moment you may feel like everyone else knows each other but you. - You have to be ready to pitch in every elevator... literally. - And know when its just time to ride the elevator. - Conferences also keep the selfie alive, but the selfies are genuine. If you're lucky, you'll even get an opportunity to express gratitude and break bread with clients and partners. Then you return home and do your best to turn conversations into mutually beneficial wins. And you do your expense report... and catch up on sleep. Most importantly you get to be with your team. P.S. - What are some hacks for getting the most out of conferences? Here's one and it's so simple. Ask people for their cell numbers if you're having a great conversation and they want you to follow up. Emails get lost and it's a good barometer to see if they actually want to hear from you.

"Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives." – Brené Brown This December, we’re taking that sentiment and turning it into action with the Impact Hub Launch this first event is free to attend. This isn’t just networking; it’s about building connections that matter—conversations that drive business forward and partnerships that leave a legacy. On December 12th, you’ll join decision-makers and leaders from hospitality, healthcare, and beyond. The Commercial Director of Mar Hall, Fiona, will share the exciting journey of their multi million pound renovation due for completion in 2025 and potential oppportunities for future collaborations. The Golden Jubilee team will share exclusive insights into opportunities for local businesses, and you’ll have direct access to people who can shape your business’s future. Every attendee will be part of something bigger: the launch of a new way of doing business, where collaboration leads to impact. 📅 When: December 12th, 12 PM - 2 PM 📍 Where: Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel 🎟️ Tickets are FREE but must be booked in advance. Be part of the first-ever Impact Hub and discover the connections that give your business purpose and growth. 📲 Grab your ticket here: https://bit.ly/4fMm7nI

Have you ever wished for an event that goes beyond the usual small talk and business card swaps? Well, this is it. On December 12th, we are inviting you to join us at the Impact Hub Launch at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel. This isn’t just an event- it’s the start of something bigger. A room full of decision-makers, industry leaders, and forward-thinkers, all coming together to have real conversations that lead to real business opportunities. It’s a space to talk, connect, and create meaningful partnerships- not the kind of thing you can get from an email or a LinkedIn message. And here’s the best part: this is the first-ever Impact Hub, setting the tone for what’s to come. If you’ve ever thought about what it takes to be in the right room at the right time, this is it. The clock is ticking. December is just around the corner, and tickets are limited. So, will you be there? 📅 When: December 12th, 12 PM - 2 PM 📍 Where: Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel 🎟️ Tickets: £20 for members | £28 for non-members Don’t wait—this is your opportunity to be part of something truly special. Let’s make it happen, grab your ticket here : https://bit.ly/4fMm7nI Let’s start the conversation that could change everything.

My first conference was an eye-opening experience. I grew up in a small town; a conference at a big hotel in a huge city with a ton of people was a lot. I was excited, but overwhelmed. Once the conference began I started to relax and discover key takeaways: My problems weren't unique Nearly everyone I talked with shared common issues: low budget, not enough support, too much to do and not enough time. The specifics varied, but in the end it all came back to common themes. I loved hearing their ideas about how they found ways to deal with these issues. Talks were only the tip of the iceberg Presentations at the conference were insightful but the real value was in roundtables, workshops, and especially conversations that happened between all these events. It was a sea of knowledge and experience far beyond what I normally had access to. Conference value had a shelf life The ideas from the conference would only stick if they were applied. If I didn't proactively integrate it into my work then the daily grind would quickly wash it all away. Pace myself Conferences are jam packed with interesting tracks full of interesting topics, but I couldn't do it all. I'm an introvert, so as Simon Sinek puts it I only have a certain amount of "coins" I can spend on interactions each day. I had to invest them wisely. My ultimate realization was that connection and validation from those in the same boat were infinitely more valuable than any specific piece of information.

In some cases, companies are having attendees create ideas and collaborations as they go. In other situations, while there is flexibility with topics and schedules, there is still an agenda and a common goal for our client and their stakeholders. There is more of a relaxed feel that is less confined. Want to find out if the "Unconference" is right for your next event? Just message us!

Move over Glasgow's woeful answer to Willy Wonka - here’s a golden ticket to raw chicken wings, cheap props, and a Bridgerton ball disaster in Detroit. Although I’m late to the 'party,' this latest event fiasco got me thinking. An extreme (yet not isolated) example of winging (no pun intended) events without bringing experts on board. Events aren’t just cash cows, and when profit takes priority over quality, it shows. Yes, this was an entertainment event, and an extreme example, but it got me thinking about expectation versus reality in the business world. Not so long ago, I had an interesting conversation with Manjit Rana about how little thought goes into analysing ROI after conferences these days. Here’s the thing.. your company flies you to a conference in an exciting city, all expenses paid, but the content is weak, no one attends the sessions, and the event lacks strategically curated networking opportunities. You end up with the same old conversations and no real value. But in this case, who’s going to admit to their employer that it wasn’t a success? Will you get another ‘business trip’ next year? Like the Bridgerton ball, conferences that cut corners tend to focus on hype over substance. Attendees expecting a polished, valuable experience instead get an underwhelming event. That said, there are some brilliant conferences that do 'budget' well. They deliver exactly what they promise, with reasonable ticket prices and transparency. I applaud those. But whether it’s a big-ticket event with sky-high registration fees or a more affordable one, please start analysing your ROI from attending these conferences. We, for one, welcome it! #eventmanagement #businessevents #conferences #eventprofessionals

3 Reasons why you SHOULD NOT attend The Light Conference👆 💡You are very comfortable with the current career and business dimensions you operate and you don’t want to experience the next dimension/level of your operation. 💡You don’t want to Hear the Secrets To Unmatched Success in your industry from some of The World's Biggest Business Moguls and Corporate Professionals. 💡You don’t want to meet the next version of yourself, your business, or your career that will easily attract(pull) nations and Kings of industries and not push for opportunities. Final bonus reason 👇 You don’t desire any of the results of the speakers below and you don’t want to know what they do to birth the kind of results they experience in their careers and businesses. 📌 If this is you, please and please do not attend this particular conference i.e The Light Conference 2024, because these above desires will not be met.🙏 📌 But if they are not, use link bit.ly/tlc2024tickets to register as seats are being filled fast. 💡The Light Conference in 3 Words- Uncommon Wisdom || Impartation || Encounters #thelightconference_stars #thelightconference2023 #likestarsonearth #thelightconference

Does anyone really enjoy going to conferences? I used to enjoy speaking and hearing others speak -- it was always good to get out of the office, meet peers and brag a little bit about your own work, but the quality of speakers and content was always mixed and the pressure to strike up conversations with other attendees was always a bit daunting. As I've aged I've become more comfortable with networking but what makes it easier is attending the right sort of conferences. Yesterday I was lucky enough to host three roundtables at the Subscription X Autumn Festival hosted by InternetRetailing. Katie Searles and Nina Harman really know how to put on a great event. Subscription X was easily one of the best conferences I ever attended for the sheer quality of speakers, pacing of the event and the venues. At the Festival yesterday, we had a rapid fire morning focused on customer lifetime value with the great and the good from some innovative companies including Abel & Cole | B Corp™, The Times, Freddie's Flowers, and Gumtree Group. Balancing acquisition and retention, the customer experience with LTV and the long and the short of performance targets were all discussed. What's remarkable is how retention--and by extension profitability--are now being taken just as seriously as acqusition. My key takeaway: "sustainable growth" is no longer synonymous with volume, but is more likely to include volume and profit in an equal, sometimes tense balance. It's fantastic to see as someone who has been banging this drum for nearly 15 years. #subscriptions #retention #customerlifetimevalue