jak

Tickets on sale for Social Fresh Nashville Jan 11 http://sofreshnash.eventbrite.com
and Tampa Feb 8 http://sofreshtampa.eventbrite.com

704-402-6696
http://JasonKeath.com
http://SocialFresh.com
@jakrose

We started them for the same reason – we wanted to take the things that we loved about the good conferences and bring them all together. We like to inject a bit of originality as well – at our Winter Camp last week, which looked forward to the future of social media, we had an avatar stand. This was just a simple screen where a professional photographer took clean shots that people could use for their avatar.

I think conferences should constantly evolve, expand on the good bits and get rid of whatever doesn't work.

I also think conferences sell themselves short when they forget to mention key amenities – like shuttles from the hotel to the conference site or having parties, etc. planned after conference hours for those who are interested. Tell me about this stuff – those value-added items justify the registration price.

I also would LOVE to have a list of attendees ahead of time (as much as possible, anyway) – that way I can make plans with people for while I'm there, find a roommate or whatever. Granted, I attend non-profit related conferences as opposed to social media conferences, but I don't think they are all that different.

Last one – having a range of hotel options close to the conference site, if at all possible.

Thanks! :)

So far, I’ve been bothered by the use of “panels”.

What often happens is a panel of too much of the same – panelists who end up answering each other’s questions to the point where none of them have anything to add. Worse yet, they come ill-prepared, don’t know how to be both brief and informative, or they end up grandstanding instead of contributing.

From a presentation standpoint, another thing to remember is you MUST engage the attendees (a serious offense at a SOCIAL event). I’ve seen panels become an “inside discussion” amongst each other and the moderator as if they’re the only ones in the room. You’re there for the audience.

Lastly, don’t get too deep and techie above the rooms level (another important thing to gauge). Tell the attendee(s) that asked the question to see you after the session (you may even close some business because of it).

Keep keepin’ on.

So far, I’ve been bothered by the use of “panels”.

What often happens is a panel of too much of the same – panelists who end up answering each other’s questions to the point where none of them have anything to add. Worse yet, they come ill-prepared, don’t know how to be both brief and informative, or they end up grandstanding instead of contributing.

From a presentation standpoint, another thing to remember is you MUST engage the attendees (a serious offense at a SOCIAL event). I’ve seen panels become an “inside discussion” amongst each other and the moderator as if they’re the only ones in the room. You’re there for the audience.

Lastly, don’t get too deep and techie above the rooms level (another important thing to gauge). Tell the attendee(s) that asked the question to see you after the session (you may even close some business because of it).

Keep keepin’ on.