Keeping people’s attention can be difficult, that’s a fact. How many people reading this article will actually finish it? It would be a shame if you didn’t as you would miss the amazing fact about fish towards the end. How many people have now skipped to the end of the article? The answers I do not know but we can be certain that to hold someone’s attention is a tricky business, especially when there are key messages, facts and information that require absorbing.
So how can you grab and more importantly hold the attention of your delegates in a conference situation? Let’s take a look at some key points to bear in mind when organising a stimulating conference.
Fed and watered
Let’s start with the basics - we all need food and drink to function. An obvious statement but getting it right at a conference is essential to setting the flow and mood of the event.
It is vital that everyone gets enough liquid throughout the day and something as simple as making sure everyone has a bottle of water at all times can make a real difference.
It’s also a good idea to offer a range of drinks including freshly squeezed juice of some description as a refreshing alternative to coffee.
Food usually plays a key role at the main break points throughout the day but it’s worth considering the nutritional value of snacks and meals served at you conference. Everyone has their favourite biscuit (I favour the custard cream) but after the initial sugar rush too many can leave people feeling sluggish. Fruit is always a better alternative and helps keep your delegates hydrated and fresh.
Move around
It’s a simple fact that for anyone to have their bum on a seat for a prolonged period of time is a sure fire way to induce a sleepy feeling. By getting your delegates up, active and involved your messages are more likely to get through. Think of alternative ways to impart information away from the traditional lecture style of a conference such as team games, quizzes or other fun and incentivised experiences.
Breakout!
You know what they say, “a change is as good as a rest” and never is this truer than in a conference situation. Taking regular breaks helps maintain concentration over long periods and during a break it’s important to move away from the main conference area. Hosting your conference in a unique venue can be a big plus and make breaks far more interesting than simply standing in a corridor drinking tea and munching on biscuits. Vinopolis, a unique conferencing and events venue in London’s vibrant Bankside, is a perfect example of this. Their unique themed areas are ideal for giving a conference a very different feel.
Sorry, there is no fish fact!
Related Articles
Oxfordshire Venues
By: Mandy Chagger | 27/09/2007 | Business
Depending upon where your business is located and where the customer base is primarily located, you could choose to use any number of different places. For example, one of the latest hot spots is Oxfordshire venue, where good geography has been one of the primary considerations. When choosing a location for an all important business conference, location is one of the many things that a business must consider.
Norfolk Venue Finding Agency and Hotel Accommodation
By: Mandy Chagger | 05/10/2007 | Travel
For example, a venue finding agency and hotel accommodation service might decide that Norfolk venue is one of the best places to hold a conference because of its location. Location is one of the primary considerations when choosing your given venue for a business conference.
Good Off-site Venues in the United Kingdom
By: Mandy Chagger | 08/10/2007 | Travel
Away from the humdrum meeting in mundane conference cubicles of boring workplaces, setting out to a new meeting room should be a definite refreshing experience.
Identify the Best Venues, Get the Best Deals, and Make your Event a Great Success
By: Mandy Chagger | 11/10/2007 | Travel
Conference organisers have made this mammoth task very simple by their expertise and efficiency. Whether you are organising a conference in Staffordshire or Essex or Surrey, there are conference organisers that will help you identify the best venues, get the best deals, and make your event a great success.
Business Meeting Venues in the UK - Accommodation
By: Mandy Chagger | 23/10/2007 | Travel
With business growth and revenues at stake, it is essential that companies put in a lot of thought and effort into organising business meetings. Time and cost factors play a vital role in business meetings. Every single minute is crucial and any delay can lead to a loss in revenues.
Venue Searching in Oxfordshire and Staffordshire
By: Mandy Chagger | 31/10/2007 | Travel
The success of an event or a conference relies on strong and efficient planning and execution. The organizers need to exhibit exemplary time management skills and commitment.
Conference Centres in Oxfordshire or Leicestershire
By: Mandy Chagger | 02/11/2007 | Travel
In the UK, there is no dearth of conference venues. However, you must not select a venue with your eyes closed. You need to put in a lot of thought while planning for a conference.
The Secret Weapon Every Savvy Exhibitor Should Use
By: Susan Friedman | 27/11/2006 | Marketing
Exhibitors spend a tremendous amount of time & energy attempting to spread their marketing message to more & more people. Word of mouth marketing is one of the most vital marketing tools which should be used by every savvy exhibitor in order to boost ROI.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is he now
By: Lupe | 25-08-2008
Where is he Now? Jerry Dean Barker played as Hollywood Studio Musicians (drums) with Neil Young for the Harvest Album and also toured with Crazy Horse in the early 70's.
Do the delegates that Sen Obama won during the ...
By: mamajean | 23-08-2008
Do the delegates that Sen Obama won during the primaries and caucuses have the option of not voting for him on any of ballots. i know super delegates can support one person then change their minds.
thank you
I am ooking for a aa or na meeting in lakewood ...
By: grammiepattie54 | 23-08-2008
i am ooking for a aa or na meeting in lakewood brick area nj
Has any one heard of any movies made by "sundown ...
By: Jan | 23-08-2008
Has any one heard of any movies made by "sundown entertainment". I believe they have an affiliation with the entertainment and Intellectual property group. Hope someone knows! Thanks, Jan
Engagement party entertainment
By: nari | 22-08-2008
I am looking for Indian Music and dance enetrtainment for my son's engagement party on September 20, 2008 ( Saturday) in LA area.
Robotics
By: Flowers | 22-08-2008
Transformers vs WALL-E
Which one is a better movie???
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Corporate Articles
Swiss Replica Watches a Look at Panerai Iwc Rolex Hublot Omega and Chanel Wantted Wholesaler Dropshipper
By: exactbrands | 04/09/2008
Swiss Replica Watches a Look at Panerai iwc Rolex hublot omega and chanel wantted wholesaler dropshipper on exactbrands.com,free shipping,paypal,moneybookers accept.No minimum order,ship fast and safe.
What is the Difference Between 'biodegradable' and 'degradable' Plastics?
By: kenny thomas | 03/09/2008
Degradation is a process whereby very large molecules are broken into smaller molecules or fragments. Normally, oxygen is incorporated into these molecular fragments. Typically, strong, tough plastic films become weak and brittle as a result of oxidative degradation. This outcome is because the molecules of which the films consist become much smaller. Degradation can be caused by heat, or exposure to UV light and is enhanced by mechanical stress.
Are so Called 'oxo-biodegradable Plastics' Suitable for Organic Recovery?
By: kenny thomas | 03/09/2008
The so-called ‘oxo-degradable plastics’ are not suitable for organic recovery. So called ‘oxo-degradable plastics’ (i.e.: polyolefines with metal-containing additives) are sometimes advertised as being ‘biodegradable’ or even ‘compostable’. Such claims are misleading if they are not substantiated by showing compliance with the relevant European standards EN 14995 or EN 13432.
What are Biodegradable Plastics?
By: kenny thomas | 03/09/2008
Biodegradable Plastics need to meet the specified norms established to claim biodegradability, termed as EN 13432(European) norms and ASTM D 6400 (United States). The biodegradable products are tested in a specified laboratory and various tests under norms are carried on the plastics. The product has to be biodegradable within 90 days leaving no heavy metals or carcinogenic residue or heavy metals in the degraded environment.
UK Corporations Feeling the Financial Crunch, But Don’t Panic as Advice is Available!
By: Ian Robinson | 03/09/2008
As more and more UK businesses begin to have financial difficulties the advice is not to panic and instead act early to seek professional legal assistance.
Why Don't Plastics Degrade?
By: kenny thomas | 03/09/2008
Plastics belong to a chemical family of polymers they are made up of a long chain of molecules containing repeated units of carbon atoms. Because of this inherent molecular stability (high molecular weight), plastics do not easily breakdown into simpler components.
The option would be to use biodegradable plastics.
Round Tripping of Funds
By: Abhilash Chandran | 03/09/2008
This article has been framed to understand the present scenario with regard to Round Tripping of funds which in turn has been detrimental to the growth of the Indian economy.
In endeavouring to do so it
Firstly, draws a comparative analysis with the Chinese economy and shows how FDI has been interpreted in both economies;
Secondly, examines the various regulatory mechanisms implemented by the Government to keep the situation under control;
Thirdly, scenarios where the government has allowed
Business Credit Article #3
By: Trent Lee | 03/09/2008
Business Credit is Good for Business
Business 
