Top 5 Reasons Your Organization Should Consider Hosting A Conference

September 17, 2015

Earlier this week we hosted the annual conference of the Canadian Ferry Operators Association in Vancouver, BC. The conference was a success with a number of benefits for both the delegates as well as the association itself.

Here is a list of five reasons why your organization should consider hosting a conference of its own:

1. Networking – Conferences bring together a large collection of people from within your field as well as from peripheral industries. This offers great opportunities to expand your network both within your own sector as well as others that are connected to your own. As is the case with networking, you can never tell when these new connections could prove productive.
2. New Ideas – The foundation of any good conference is a good program. Having interesting and qualified speakers and workshops on hand for your delegates can help promote new ideas and best practices in your field. These can make your industry as a whole function better.
3. Access to Influence Makers – This will be one of the largest collections of individuals from your industry in one place at one time. There are few better opportunities to offer to politicians and senior bureaucrats to connect with you and your colleagues. This is a two-way street, and will offer your organization the opportunity to present them with your ideas and concerns around policy, legislation and funding.
4. Expand the Reach of Your Organization – A conference can be a great opportunity to showcase your organization and industry to others in your field, peripheral sectors as well as the public. Increased exposure will help promote your organization and its members. A successful conference will garner attention on social media, traditional media and with those connected to your industry that haven’t previously been involved with your organization.
5. Revenue Generation – On top of all the other benefits offered by a conference, they can be great revenue generators for groups and associations. The revenue generated by a successful conference can help fund other activities undertaken by your association such as promotions, advocacy and lobbying.

A successful conference has a number of benefits. Consider planning one for your organization this year, and if you’ve never hosted a conference before you may wish to consider employing an experienced company to take on the planning for you.