Some time ago I attended three major events, two were well-run, the third was a shambles. All three had a number of speakers and more than 200 hundred people present.
The Disorganised Event
This is what happened at one of those events:
On arrival, there were two people at the front desk who completely ignored me, so I walked straight in and organised my own stand. (This was a combination expo/seminar event).
There were no name tags for stallholders or attendees. Refreshments were non-existant. Even water was unavailable. Instead of briefly wrapping up at the end of each presentation, the Master of Ceremonies wasted at least another 10-15 minutes rambling on.
A sponsor who wasn't scheduled to speak was 'squeezed' into the programme for a SHORT 10 minute promotion. He prattled on for 40 minutes boring everyone. No one, including the organiser or the MC stopped him. At one point, the audience had been sitting for two hours with no break. The last speaker who was scheduled to speak at 3.30 p.m. presented at 5.00 p.m... that's how poorly organised the event was. By this time many people had left (including me).
The sad part about the lack of organisation is that some of the presenters were great and so were many of the people who attended. The event management by the organiser would have tainted their reputation and reflected extremely badly on the company they represented.
Unfortunately, many of the attendees will remember more of the negative aspects, rather than the positive ones.
The Ingredients of Successful Events
With the end of another year in site, many of you will be in the process of planning events for your clients and your people in the new year, so I've put together a special event management tip sheet to help you save time, money and stress when preparing for your next event. Click here to receive "How To Run Stress-Free Events".
Speaking of running events in 2006, I'm presenting a terrific seminar to kickstart the new year together with Shelley-Taylor Smith, 7 time World Champion Marathon Swimmer and Motivation Expert. This one of a kind event will be held in both Melbourne and Sydney. If you seriously want to "Skyrocket to Success in 2006" then click here to book today as numbers will be limited and we've already had bookings pouring in.
The Final Word
Organising and attending events where you'll meet new people and expand your mind is crucial to stay ahead in both your personal and business life. The world is constantly changing and you need to change with it. Fresh input gives you a different perspective. It's very easy to stay in your comfort zone. However when you expand your mind, you learn more and can earn more. When you apply what you learn, you'll enrich your own life and can help others to do the same.
Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's No. 1 Productivity Coach. She's also a dynamic presenter and a leading business and life coach. Her business The Office Organiser specialises in showing small business owners and managers, how to get organised at work so they can have a life! Lorraine is also a dynamic speaker and has produced many products including "How to Survive and Thrive at Work!" To subscribe to her free ezine visit http://www.office-organiser.com.au