Emma Hewitt

Peer recommendations are invaluable. This can be achieved in few ways to reach the target audience and promote the event. Digital badges or graphics for attendees, will encourage them to share the event and this will increase the chances of the event being seen in relevant spaces and on relevant channels. People follow people they admire, competitors and people who have similar roles, so are likely to look further into the events they see they are attending. Involve influential people, who are relevant to your audience, in your event. This could be as speaker, workshop facilitator, sponsor or as a guest attendee. Once they start sharing and talking about the event, your target audience will notice it and engage.

Another vote for investing in a professional photographer to cover the event. Factor the cost into the event budget and planning. Consider the added value a professional photographer will bring: A photographer can capture images of the event that event staff will miss as they have other tasks and distractions on the day. There will be more quality photos to choose from and use and less time spent editing lower quality images The photographs can be used by the event hosts, delegates, venue and organisers. This is a selling point that can be included in your offering, a potential income stream, as well as marketing assets. Photographers are excellent networkers, working with them can lead to new contacts and broaden your connections

Be mindful of the key times during the day. Start with an engaging opening speaker to bring energy and set the pace and tone for the day. Schedule comfort breaks and opportunities for networking and discussion throughout the day. Keep delegates fed and watered (and therefore happier). Think about the graveyard shift - the session straight after lunch. It can be as significant as the opening session as delegates may need some help getting going again. Allow enough time for each session to meet its objectives, is there enough time for Q&A, break out discussions or audience activities? The keynote, headline speaker should reflect your values, your event theme and objectives and hopefully inspire, as well as inform your delegates.

I agree with the point about looking more widely than the sector you are catering for. There is value in a fresh perspective and broader outlook. Many themes can be covered by speakers without industry-specific expertise and this also offers the audience new insight.