Disclaimer: Part of my job requires me to educate at industry functions. In a past life, I was a contract player at an improv/dinner theater in Amsterdam and did corporate entertainment across northern Europe. I’m not proud to say that I have spoken/joked through 300-some-odd meal functions. I even have performed in “evenings of new works” at a Starbucks and a live music venue (although I plead the ignorance of youth).
So before you read any further, realize I’m pretty biased. But here are the three reasons why I’m convinced having anyone speak while people are trying to eat is a terrible idea.
No. 1: People attend meetings and conferences for networking and education.
So don’t screw that up.
I understand why you may be tempted to blend the two. But you’re not going to create some kind of magical meetings Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup by doing so. Instead, you’re going prevent your attendees from enjoying either option.
Wireless internet connection at events has increasingly become a primary need for participants – due to preventing roaming costs or poor 3G data network coverage. So when people see an open WiFi hotspot, they connect to it without realizing the possible dangers.
There are a huge range of trade shows and conventions out there and it is inevitable that some of them will be err, interesting. So in the interest of having a good gawp here are some of the most fascinating, events out there. Here you will find spies, witches and morticians amongst others.
Location. Location. Location. One of the most essential pieces of any event is the location where your event will take place. In New York City alone, the Official Convention Bureau, NYC&Co (
The recent tragedy of the cruise ship Costa Concordia serves as a vivid reminder to those of us in the events industry that we need to prepare for possible emergency situations at our events. I’ve been involved with events since 1978 (there were no child labor laws back then).
In New York, things are in fashion for barely a season before they’re passé. In America’s other big cities, three to four years may pass before that fashion catches on. Ten years later, you’ll encounter people sincerely hanging on to that look because it’s still new to them.
Your name: Anthony DeFeo, Executive Director
Your name: Dag Hendrik Lerdal
What is the “problem” that your tool seeks to solve?
