Long gone are the days when you have toattend a conference in person, sit and listen to plenary sessions in an auditorium, and enjoy a few social networking sessions over lunch and dinner.

Experienced Australian and New Zealand conference planner Rachael Ziccone said there was nothing wrong with this traditional format but conferencing today is more accessible and engaging than ever before.

Ziccone, who is Conference & Events Manager for Corporate Challenge Events, said new technology has created significantly more opportunities for both organisers and delegates.

“For one, delegates do not actually need to be live in-person at the conference venue to participate, which enables people challenged by location and finances to attend,” said Ziccone.

“Technology has also created a new realm for speaker-delegate engagement during a conference. Rather than just verbal Q and As, speakers and delegates can engage via social media, live polling and closed online groups.”

Ziccone identified six simple technology solutions which should be considered by all professional conference organisers or organisation looking to stage a conference.

“I believe the big six in simple conference technology are a website, abstract management portal, registration system, live streaming, mobile app and live polling,” said Ziccone

“A major benefit ofusing these six solutions is they all can be integrated with each other.

“For example, the abstract management portal, registration system, live streaming channel and mobile app download can all be accessed through a conference website. And live polling can be a feature on the mobile app.”

A common challenge faced by conference planners today is how to enhance the delegate’s experience.

“That is a question that we ask ourselves before each and every conference or corporate event that we organise.

“An answer can often be found in technology. Are we utilising or maximising some simple and accessible technology to create an even more engaging, educational and enjoyable experience for delegates.”

Ziccone believes the future of conferencing is here through live streaming which enables connection with a remote audience.

“Delegates can watch from anywhere in the world via any device with an Internet connection.

“It provides an opportunity to attend a conference at a lower price too as there are fewer consumable costs involved.

“Engagement and interaction can still take place via social media, live forums, chat rooms and live polling.

“I’ve found live polling extremely useful as a platform for the sharing of results, opinions and ideas to form an even more educational and collaborative environment.”

Ziccone is Conference & Events Manager for Corporate Challenge Events and member of the Professional Conference Organiser’s Association in Australia.

Corporate Challenge Events 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.

For more information on Corporate Challenge Events visit www.corporatechallenge.com.au or www.corpchallenge.co.nz

ENDS

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