Developing people and teams remain the key reason why conferences are vital for business in today’s corporate world, according to Australian and New Zealand corporate events specialist Dwain Richardson.

Richardson said despite a shifting focus on how technology can enhance productivity and efficiency in business, the fundamental ingredient for business success remained people.

“Advancements in technology has changed how we work, where we work, who we employ, how we communicate with staff and customers, and how we sell our business, products and services,” said Richardson.

“But what has always been a fundamental ingredient in any successful business and will continue to be is people.

“People develop ideas. People communicate. People control technology. People lead and manage. People motivate and inspire.”

Richardson said developing your people is vital to maximise technology and the evolving workplace which is why conferencing remains as important as ever.

“A fundamental objective of conferencing is the development of people,” said Richardson.

“Yes we are working in a new age but we still need to find ways to train our people and stay ahead of the competition. That is why conferencing is vital.”

Richardson has three key recommendations for businesses in Australia and New Zealand when considering company conferences in 2016.

“If you’re thinking about your next conference, make sure you establish professional development outcomes, incorporate some fun and engaging team building activities in the program, and consider a new model called ‘conferences with content’.

Richardson said conferencing has always been a very effective form of professional development for people.

“What is becoming more and more popular is the inclusion of specific professional development sessions in conferences.

“By including these sessions, it creates variety in the conference and maximises the time you have taken your team away from their day-to-day work.”

Today’s conferences are also featuring more team building activities than ever before, according to Richardson.

“There are a few reasons for this. Team building activities provide a fun and engaging way to achieve professional development outcomes.

“These outcomes may be problem solving, sales techniques, leadership, team work and communication.

Richardson’s third piece of advice is packaging his first two recommendations to ensure there is real substance and tangible outcomes for the delegates.

“An exciting new term in the event planning and professional conference organisation space is ‘conferences with content’.

“This refers to the specific tailoring of company conferences to achieve a pre-determined set of objectives, professional development outcomes and a reinvigoration of the people within the company.

“Content ideas are only limited by your imagination but, most importantly, can be tailored to the objectives of the conference, with each session delivered by professional corporate trainers, industry experts and team building facilitators.”

Richardson is Managing Director for Corporate Challenge Events, which delivers professional conference planning and corporate event management for clients across Australia and New Zealand.

The expertise of Corporate Challenge Events also includes the delivery of team building events and corporate training programs.


ENDS

For further information contact Corporate Challenge Events:
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9753 2562 (AUS) or 0800 832 669 (NZL)