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Dive Deeply into Details of Agenda |
Planning for meetings and conferences frequently breaks down when it comes to developing a minute-by-minute agenda and a full understanding of each item on that agenda. Without going through that process -- tedious as it might be -- it's easy for a meeting to go off the rails because of a missing element, a session that just didn't work, or inadequate time.
At this level, the development of the agenda should result in a full understanding of how long each item will realistically take, what must be achieved by each item, and whether the presentation anticipated is likely to accomplish its goal or whether changes to the presentation are desirable.
Think of the agenda as a consumer product. If you're uncertain whether part or all of the agenda will satisfy your needs, test it ahead of time with those who have a stake in the outcome - an involved manager, typical members of the audience, or others.
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Presentation Skills Go a Long Way
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Even the best-laid plans for a conference or a meeting have been defeated by a presenter with inadequate skills. This lamentable result is easily and instantaneously detectable. Those in the audience will be playing with their electronic business toys, dozing, or whispering to each other about the food from the last break. Alas, they are lost.
This doesn't have to happen. Presenters at important meetings and conferences with limited skills should be given the opportunity to improve. Equally important, those with decent presentation skills should be given an opportunity to polish them.
There are many vendors in the Bay Area that offer courses on presentation skills. For example, see:
While these courses require an investment of time and money, the benefits of the investment go beyond the meeting or conference and accrue long-term to the presenter and the organization.
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Meeting Place Can Help You Achieve Success |
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"Our experience in your conference center was terrific - from booking the reservation right through the last minute of our event. And the price was a bargain. We loved the free Wi-Fi and the free audio visual equipment was great. Since you had all the equipment we needed, all we had to do was bring our presentation on a jump drive. The staff at EBCF is wonderful. From the first contact to the last, they are helpful, warm, friendly and professional. They ensure that your event or meeting runs smoothly and we have always felt very well taken care of. We'll be back!"
Sam Cobbs
Executive Director, First Place For Youth
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Forum: End Game on a High Note, Please |
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Question: I've been to many meetings and conferences at which people walk out frustrated or depressed. How do you avoid that?
Answer: You don't want to see people filing out of the meeting or conference with their heads down and muttering to themselves. You do want to see them at the end feeling satisfied, as if they've learned something, injected with energy, or just plain happy they were there and looking forward to the next one. All of the above is even better.
How do you get there? Ensure the final act is an "upper," such as a presentation on what the meeting or conference has accomplished, how people can take what they learned and put it into practice, an announcement of particularly good news for the organization or the group, entertainment, special food, or some form of reward for all attendees.
The last act of the conference or meeting is a way to motivate the audience and elevate morale. Don't ignore the opportunity.
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Our Conference Center on Display at "Nonprofit Day" |
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The James Irvine Foundation Conference Center at the East Bay Community Foundation will be among exhibitors at CompassPoint's 24th annual "Nonprofit Day"to be held Monday, Sept. 19, 8 am to 5 pm, at the Marriott Oakland City Center, 1001 Broadway in Oakland.
We'll be among those displaying in the exhibit hall. You'll find information about us there, but get to know us better by contacting us anytime for information or a guided tour of our facility.
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