Picture the scene. The conference is about to begin. But not before a series of “thank you” messages from various dignitaries that somehow thanks everyone without adding value.
I was reading a piece by James Lancaster recently critiquing this, and I took this as a request for ideas 😉
So in that spirit, here are some ways to get your delegates digging the dignitaries, two ideas for organisers and one BIG one for dignitaries:
For organisers:
1.Treat dignitaries like keynote speakers.
Their status doesn’t replace how they benefit from preparation and support.
Brief them properly, be clear about why they’re there, what role they’re playing, and what you want the audience to leave with.
Bring them together before the event. Ask them to arrive with what they plan to say, then say it to each other. These moments of care sharpen thinking, remove repetition, and lift everyone’s contribution.
2.Take “thank-yous” off the stage.
Let your dignitaries know the plan is to spread gratitude across the event instead. Using signage shows appreciation and frees up stage time.
For Dignitaries:
1.Your moment is a chance to move the room. Use it.
If you’re stuck, work where four aspects intersect:
- The Conference Theme
- The Host City
- The Delegates
- Your Personal Connection
Write a sentence about each and rub your ideas together. That’s where the spark usually appears. And you can use that to create an opening that warms up your audience and ignites the event.
Doing something different requires bravery on both sides. But on the other side is energy and momentum. And an event that soars!
Are you keen to support your contributors to add value to your Association’s activities? I can help. Take a look of my in-house training workshops to see how.
Thanks for reading. And happy conference openings!