Networking in a nutshell

Photo by: alisdair

Here we are ready for the new Linkedin question which this time gathered the attention of lots of Linkedin users. You already know we have a group there and I’ve asked questions in the past, therefore I’ll just get down to business.

Question:

The top 5 tips to make networking happen?
One of the most important reasons why you attend a conference is for networking purposes. What are your tricks to facilitate networking? What are the characteristics of a successful networking session? What are the latest trends?

Turned out to be a great tip bonanza. If you are either organizing or attending a conference and really want to network you need to read this.

The best answer (the first you’ll see below) was selected, as always, according to my own preference. You can use comments to vote yours.

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The top 5 tips for a cool fashion show

Photo by: Peter Duhon

This is a collective effort of the Linkedin community to help you in running an unforgettable fashion show. We have a 1650+ Event Planning & Management Group there which I invite you to join. The community has so far answered on what makes an event outstanding, the top 5 qualities of the successful event manager , running your own event business and the best way to promote your event.

If you missed this chance, try answering the next question.

Here is the original question:

To all the fashion show producers, planners, managers and coordinators. Share with us your secret weapons and tell us stories from your experience. We are ready to listen.

The best answer (the first you’ll see below) was selected, as always, according to my own preference. You can use comments to vote yours.

There are great insights and practical approaches, scroll to the end of the post because you might find the answer you were looking for.

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The quest for an open source, free, complete event management software

The quest for a complete, free, accessible and open source software for events continues. Recently at BarCampLondon 4 I had an interesting chat with fellow campers on how to proceed. You can have a look below.

[BarcampLondon4] Julius Solaris - The Quest for a complete open source event management solution from Melinda Seckington on Vimeo.

As always you are more than welcome to leave your comment.

The best way to promote your event

This is a collective effort of the Linkedin community to help you in promoting your event. We have a 1450+ Event Planning & Management Group there which I invite you to join. The community has so far answered on what makes an event outstanding, the top 5 qualities of the successful event manager and running your own event business.

If you missed this chance, try answering the next question.

Here is the question:

What are the top 5 ways to promote an event? Social media, traditional media, networking. What techniques have proven to be the most effective according to your experience?

The best answer (the first you’ll see below) was selected, as always, according to my own preference. You can use comments to vote yours.

I must say that choosing the top answer has never been so difficult. I really loved those talking about word of mouth as well as targeting and scroll down for the FedEx secret which I really enjoyed.

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Do you feel like a CD?

If you are a traditional event manager (or studying to become one) and think that recession is the major threat for your career, I think you are not on the right track.

There are several trends in event management that are making the role as we know it obsolete. I am convinced that we are trying to sell CDs during the hype of the MP3 era.

Of course this could be arguable. Events will always take plae and there will always be someone in charge of management. But the skills required are completely new.

Here are few of the trends who represent a threat for the traditional event manager:

- User generated Events

BarCamps, unconferences and Meetups have given the power to the user. Scientific committees or sponsor panels can no longer control content. In the future if you’ll ask to pay 400$ for a one day conference, you’ll be probably laughed at and find yourself in a budget drama.

- Technology

Technological changes are making several professions redundant. Webinars, online conferences, Second Life meetings and events to name a few require new management skills. Just have a look at the video below and draw your conclusions. Read the rest of this entry »