What should you be able to do at a conference?

Conference

April 3, 2024

Attending a conference is not just sitting and listening to lectures. It is a dynamic and interactive environment where participants have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that are both rewarding and relevant to the purpose of the event.

In this article, we will explore some key things that participants should be able to do at a conference.

Listen to lectures and presentations

Participants should have the opportunity to attend insightful and inspiring presentations from experts and leading thinkers in relevant subject areas. These presentations should be informative, engaging and provide participants with new insights and perspectives. Some tips are to:

invite renowned speakers and experts on relevant topics.
ensure that presentations are well-designed and engaging.
give participants the opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussions.

A speaker stands behind two round tables.

Participate in workshops and seminars

Conferences often offer interactive sessions where participants can learn new skills, discuss topics in more depth and engage practically. Workshops and seminars can give participants a chance to apply newly acquired knowledge. Some tips are to:

offer workshops and seminars at different levels, from beginners to more advanced specialisations.
make the workshops interactive and practical.
divide the participants into smaller groups.
give participants the opportunity to get feedback from instructors and other participants.

Networking

One of the main benefits of conferences is the opportunity to meet and network with other participants, speakers and exhibitors. This can lead to future professional opportunities or collaborations. Conferences should offer opportunities for networking, you can for example:

organise mingling, lunches and other social events.
create an app or platform where participants can connect with each other.
encourage participants to share their contact details and LinkedIn profiles.

Asking questions and participating in discussions

There should be opportunities for participants to ask questions and engage in discussions with speakers and other participants to further explore and debate topics of interest. Some good ways to encourage discussion are by:

have Q&A sessions and panel debates after the presentations.
use interactive tools such as polling and Q&A platforms.
create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable participating in discussions.

Three women are standing and mingling.

Explore exhibitions and stands

Many conferences have exhibition areas where companies and organisations present their products, services and innovations. This gives participants a chance to learn about new products and services and make contacts with potential partners. You can also offer participants the chance to enter competitions and win prizes.

Get access to exclusive material

Participants should have access to exclusive resources such as

research reports, presentation materials and white papers.
access to an online portal where participants can download exclusive materials.
special offers from sponsors or exhibitors.

This can add value to participants and help them get more out of the conference.

Gathering impressions and inspiration

A conference is an excellent place to gather new ideas, perspectives and inspiration that can be applied to the participant's own work or studies. By listening to presentations, participating in workshops and networking with others, participants can gain new perspectives and motivation. You can also:

encourage participants to share their thoughts and ideas on social media.
create a blog or forum where participants can discuss the conference content.
share inspiring quotes and photos from the conference on social media.

Participate in social events

Conferences often include social events such as:

dinners
receptions
guided tours

giving participants a chance to socialise in a more relaxed environment. These events can help create a sense of community and make the conference a more memorable experience.

Here you can be inspired by our menu suggestions.

Giving and receiving feedback

Conferences often offer opportunities for both speakers and participants to receive and give feedback, which is important for professional development. Feedback can be given via

surveys
focus groups
individual counselling

Three people are sitting and listening to a man standing in front.

Experience new technologies and innovations

At many conferences, participants can get first-hand experience of new technologies, products and innovations in their field. This can give them a glimpse into the future and inspire them with new ideas. Here you can:

invite innovative companies and start-ups to present their products and services.
create a demo zone where participants can test new technologies.
organise workshops and seminars on new technologies and innovations

By implementing these tips, you can create a conference that is both rewarding and memorable for all participants. Are you wondering how to practically organise a more memorable conference? Do not hesitate to contact us at IVA Conference Centre!

Common questions about meetings and conferences

What is the purpose of organising a conference?

The purpose of the meeting depends on what is to be communicated. It can be an information meeting, a decision-making meeting, a creative workshop or a training session.

What kind of content should a conference agenda include?

Be sure to inform about the time of the day with breaks and estimated end. It is important that it is clear what on the agenda are information items and what are decision items. There must be a time limit and a meeting leader who can check that the agenda and times are kept.

How many participants can the largest meeting room accommodate?

Our largest conference room at IVA Conference Centre in Östermalm, Stockholm city, is the Wallenbergsalen auditorium, with room for 150 participants in comfortable armchairs. It is also possible to add a number of extra chairs if needed. Wallenbergsalen is a state-of-the-art auditorium for events and conferences, decorated in a modern Nordic style.