6 Ways To Make Company Workshops And Conferences More Exciting

One of the indicators of a workshop’s or conference’s success is the degree of engagement from its attendees. Low levels of participation suggest that your audience wasn’t paying attention, and, hence, may have failed to fully absorb the information you presented.

There’s no denying that a large portion of most people’s time at a workshop or conference will be spent listening rather than doing anything productive. In contrast, the most successful events are those that pay close attention to the attendees and work to improve their experience as much as possible.

The ideal approaches to increase the quality of such types of events will be explored here, ranging from incorporating entertainment to using cutting-edge technological solutions.


1. Choose A Presentation Format That Suits Your Audience Needs

The business world has learned that virtual and hybrid events can be fun and exciting, and the same is true for workshops and conferences. It’s possible that a fully online version of such affairs might be more effective.

If you want to engage those who can’t make it to the session in person, a hybrid approach is a good option. However, in-the-flesh sessions, especially if they’re smaller and more personal, can also be a viable choice for your target demographic.

The needs of your audience will determine the best presentation style. Also, keep in mind that the event’s technology requirements will vary depending on whether the event is hybrid, virtual, or in-person.

2.Set Aside A Few Minutes For A Quick Icebreaker

Start the event on the right foot by engaging in some exercises. Aside from making people laugh and think, such activities also put them in the right mood, encouraging them to contribute their own creative input.

The time invested in these quick exercises is certainly worth it. Remote team-building activities or business discussions can be more productive when participants feel comfortable talking to one another and sharing their ideas.

Icebreakers are like a magical on/off switch, igniting everyone’s imagination and encouraging them to work together. Any meeting, call, or brainstorming session will be met with increased energy and passion after a brief 15-minute game has been completed.

3.Use The Right Technology

Participating in a workshop or conference session allows you to meet new people and discuss topics of mutual interest. Thus, no matter where you hold your event, you’ll need a space that’s conducive to effective communication and group work. So, make sure the venue is equipped with all the right tools and equipment.

Incorporate smart and interactive whiteboards, a reliable Wi-Fi connection, mobile event apps, large screen projectors, video conferencing hardware, and screen-sharing software, among others. Having these technological tools in place ensures you have the optimal and most effective setup possible.

Before the session begins, do a brief run-through and make sure everything is working.

4.Hold A Demo

Have a product demo at your next conference or workshop to show attendees how the item might benefit them. Demonstrating your product to an audience won’t only increase their familiarity with it, but it’ll also pique their interest. You should have knowledgeable and competent representatives available to answer inquiries about your product.

A four-to-eight-step interactive demo is ideal. A video demonstration should last one up to four minutes. To prevent boredom or overwhelming the audience, keep the discussions brief and simple.

5.Take Advantage Of Social Media

If you’re selling or launching a new product or service, try integrating your corporate events with your other marketing tactics, such as social media campaigns.

Knowledge of social media platforms isn’t only useful for getting the word out about your event, but also for increasing excitement and participation in the event itself.

Make the workshop or conference more engaging by allowing the audience to ask questions in real time, providing rewards and incentives for sharing information or hashtags, conducting polls, and many more.

You can also create an online event, like in social media groups or online communities, so you can connect with one another before, during, and after the event.

6.Don’t Forget About Post-Event Strategies

In order to keep event attendees engaged, it’s important to keep the conversation going long after the event has ended.

Following up with your attendees can be done in different ways, including the following:

  • Write Thank You Emails. Sending thank you emails is a good way to maintain communication with attendees long after the event has ended. Write emails to the individuals you spoke with, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to get to know them and their objectives. Just make sure to make every email specific and relevant to the recipient.
  • Send Out Post-Event Surveys. The best way to get feedback from attendees is to send out survey forms after the event and ask them what they think of it.

These questions can be asked after the event has ended, helping improve the quality of future conferences:

  • Did you find this session informative?
  • Is there anything you want to change about the conference?

7.Conclusion

There’s a wide variety of possibilities available for those looking for ideal business workshop and conference event ideas. Quite a few are convenient because they can be held in different settings or conducted online.

Remember to be creative if you want to stand out in a competitive market and leave an everlasting impression on your clients and employees.

8 FIELD TRIP IDEAS IN BRANSON, MISSOURI

Looking to treat your students to a field trip in Branson, Missouri? Nothing rewards great effort and builds morale while also providing an educational experience quite like a field trip.

Whether your school is located right in Taney County or whether you’re looking to travel to Branson from elsewhere, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy in the Branson area. Here are eight top field trip ideas your students will love!

1. Visit the Titanic Museum Branson

The tragic sinking of the Titanic holds an important place in world history. To reinforce their knowledge of the event, consider taking your students on a trip to the Titanic Museum Branson.

Here, they will be able to explore a life-size recreation of the famous vessel. The museum is filled with all sorts of authentic artifacts that have been recovered from the ship, as well as stories and exhibits that provide greater context for the incident and the events leading up to it.

As the museum offers self-guided tours, students can work through the information at their own pace. Staff members are also scattered throughout the facility to fill in knowledge gaps and answer questions as needed!

2. Check out The Butterfly Palace

If you’re currently teaching your students about biology, zoology, or another branch of science, The Butterfly Palace might be the perfect destination for a Branson field trip. This attraction is home to more than 1,000 exotic butterflies, as well as other animals—such as birds, reptiles, and more.

At the Palace’s main exhibit, the Live Butterfly Aviary, your students will not only get to learn about and encounter butterflies of all shapes, sizes, and colors but also have the opportunity to feed them!

When you’ve finished exploring the Aviary, be sure to catch the museum’s 3D video, “Flight of the Butterflies.” Round out your excursion by exploring the Rainforest Science Center. Here, your students will be able to view and pet live amphibians and reptiles!

3. Feed the trout at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

The Branson area is home to Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, which is responsible for producing between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds of trout every year—the majority of which are used to stock Lake Taneycomo.

This 155-acre facility features a free conservation center that has been allocated to the public. Here, your students will be able to view the trout up close, feed them, and learn more about aquatic life.

Fish food can be purchased from the many vending machines located on site—just make sure that you and your students bring plenty of quarters!

4. Spend the day at Silver Dollar City

While it’s true that a productive field trip should have some level of educational value, end-of-year trips are a different story.

To celebrate another successful school year, considering treating your students to a day at Silver Dollar City—a hometown favorite that is filled with thrills, shows, shopping, and food!

This eclectic park has something for every child to enjoy. For the thrill-seeker, Silver Dollar City offers close to 40 rides and attractions. For those who prefer water activities, the park is home to 10 different slides and pools.

What’s more, Silver Dollar City provides shows and live music around the clock. Be sure to check the park’s schedule when planning your trip!

5. See the wildlife at Promised Land Zoo

Give each of your students the chance to see their favorite furry friend in person by taking them to the Promised Land Zoo—a family-owned animal attraction that has been named as one of TripAdvisor’s top 25 zoos in the nation.

This facility spans across 75 acres, giving your students plenty of animal exhibits to explore—from live animal shows to self-guided safari adventures. With VIP admission, your students will even get to take part in exclusive encounters with fishing cats, owls, ring-tailed lemurs, and two-toed sloths!

If you happen to visit during the wintertime, you might even be able to catch Branson’s Let There Be Lights drive-thru adventure—a festive safari filled with animals and an impressive light display.

6. Get creative at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum

If you sense that your students are growing tired of the mundane classroom dynamic, get the creative juices flowing again by visiting the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Branson.

This museum offers 8 galleries and over 450 unique artifacts that are sure to not only keep your students engaged and entertained but also challenge their developing minds.

After a field trip filled with art, illusions, and brainteasers, your students will return to the classroom feeling refreshed and eager to learn once again!

7. Take a stroll through Table Rock State Park

While the classroom may provide a great learning environment for children, it’s important that your students also exercise regularly and spend time outdoors. You can promote physical activity, fresh air, and time spent with nature by visiting Table Rock State Park.

This recreational site utilizes every mile of its 356-acre location, offering all types of on-site activities for you and your students to enjoy—whether it’s a challenging hike or bike ride on one of many park trails, a boating adventure across the marina, or an impressive view of the Table Rock Dam.

What’s more, campgrounds and picnic areas are scattered across the park, allowing you to stop for lunch and break up the day’s activities!

8. Explore Talking Rocks Cavern

There is so much natural beauty to discover below the earth’s surface. With a guided cave tour at Talking Rocks Cavern, your students will have the opportunity to explore cave formations, learn more about various rock types, and even mine for precious gems.

After you’ve filled your students’ heads with knowledge about stalagmites and stalactites, wind down by entering a SpeleoBox maze or with a game of mini-golf at Cave Country—the cavern’s very own on-site course.

Before you leave, stop by the cavern’s gift shop, where your students will be able to pick out a rock to commemorate the experience!