If you’re beginning to question if it’s time to update your agenda design, the chances are that time is already here. Even if your graphic designer might be responsible for the final creation, your input and guidance can be paramount to a well-crafted and dynamic agenda. While technologies like event apps are helping to streamline the dissemination of event content, the standard PDF document will continue to have its place in the modern event world.
Before the attendees arrive, they a pre-selecting your event or another based upon your agenda’s ability to peak their interest. Prior to an attendee experiencing the stimulating dynamics of a well-executed event, prospective attendees have limited opportunities to gain insight into the live experience, benefits and relevancy.
Analyzing the effectiveness of an agenda’s current content and design is vital and creating strategic updates to an agenda can entice a potential attendee to commit to an event.
Are you considering your audience demographics?
When evaluating the need for an agenda update, the first essential step is to define a profile of the events attendees. An understanding of what groups are looking to gain out of this event will shape a clear picture of what an agenda should look like. Attendees reasons for joining an event vary significantly depending on type of program.
Some audiences are driven to attend based on speakers, others by specific learning objectives from topics being covered, others attending for overall networking and general experience. Having a clear picture of an attendee’s core reason for participating will help clarify how information needs to be highlighted on an agenda, which information should be included, and what can potentially be omitted completely.
Are you incorporating testimonials and statistics in your agenda?
While brainstorming the portions of an event to highlight on an agenda, two components to consider are to include relevant statistics that quantify the positive outcomes from an event, or individual testimonials that can personally resonate with attendees. Depending on audience type, including data on an agenda can be a powerful persuasive tool that can close an attendee on their decision to register.
A personal quip can develop an ethos of connection to an event that may not have been evoked looking at a sterile, matter of fact agenda.
Highlighting an impressive speaker’s biography and photo can also create a more dimensional eye capturing look. Providing a snapshot of titles of attendees of who have participated in meetings previously, or the number of attendees that participated can engage those who are seeking to participate in a worthwhile networking event.
After determining components of the upcoming events to illustrate on the agenda, also consider other factors about your program will engage attendees.
Is your agenda visually appealing to your specific audience?
After you’ve developed an outline of the information to include; creating an effective agenda layout is quintessential in capturing the interest of a target audience. Having an accurate attendee profile will allow producers to identify a group’s preference regarding design trends, an event agenda design alluring millennial audiences is likely to differ from a design that will excite baby boomer executives.
Researching online design trends and preferences of these varying groups will provide essential insights into the overall look and layout that will most appeal to a defined audience.
Event agendas should not be thought of as merely a schedule for the days event, but when strategically created, can be an essential marketing tool for your events.
Considering the visual appeal, the data beyond scheduling to be included, and targeting your audience needs and proclivities can ensure your agenda is relevant and can significantly influence an audience’s decision to attend your event.