Personalized Events: Make It Personal

Event professionals go to a lot of effort to create special experiences, but there’s still a ways to go before attendees feel that conferences are designed just for them. While we wait for new types of event personalization technology to emerge and become more accessible, there are still plenty of things you can do in the short term to add a personal touch to your next meeting.

“Look for ways to treat participants more as unique individuals by embracing radical hospitality and concierge-like services,” writes Dave Lutz in a recent post for MeetingsNet  (opens in a new tab).

And be smart about the technology you use. Tracking your attendees’ every move through beacon technology may not deliver actionable results. “Behavioral data that is explicit or precise has a higher value for enriching customer intelligence than passive or movement data collected by beacons,” he says.

Tough Talk

https://twitter.com/estiennedebeer/status/886941147574267905  (opens in a new tab)

Delivering criticism to a boss—no matter how constructive—can be a daunting task. It helps to remove your own ego from the equation. Feedback is for the other person, not a statement about you. “In the best organizations, accountability-based conversations are just part of the organizational DNA,” writes Sean Lynch for Fast Company  (opens in a new tab). “It’s not about egos, it’s about performance.”

Keep in mind that giving feedback doesn’t need to be a production. Keep it short, Lynch says: “A quick conversation, followed by tweaks, and everyone can get back to work with a focus on improving.”

Lynch also makes suggestions for thinking about feedback as a gift for a colleague and how to offer actionable guidance that your leaders can use.

Other Links of Note

Unfortunately, not everyone who signs up for your webinars will tune in. The Blue Sky blog shares a few ways to follow up with your no-shows  (opens in a new tab).

Here’s a fun way to incorporate drone technology into your meeting: During a recent National Governors Association meeting, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, ending his term as chair, passed the gavel to his successor with the help of a drone, reports the Washington Examiner  (opens in a new tab).

Are you overwhelming your members with sponsored content? Kivi’s Nonprofit Communications Blog shares some considerations you should take into account  (opens in a new tab).

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