How to Design a Conference that Resonates: Top Tips and Strategies

Dive into the captivating world of conference design with our behind-the-scenes look at how we brought the theme of "Growth" to life.

Opening Titles: The Concept of Growth

Inspired by other conferences we had attended, we decided to kick off each day of the “Growth” conference with a custom introductory video or opening titles. Just like any good TV show, a conference’s opening titles are a strategic tool that plays a crucial role in setting the tone. Here are a few reasons why they are important:

1. First Impressions: The opening titles are often the first thing attendees see, making them a key element in setting the tone and mood for the conference. A well-designed opening can immediately engage the audience and generate excitement for the event.

2. Theme Introduction: Opening titles provide an opportunity to introduce the conference theme in a visually compelling way. They can use imagery, music, and text to convey the theme's essence and its relevance to the conference.

3. Brand Reinforcement: The opening titles can reinforce the brand identity of the conference or the organisation hosting it. Consistent use of logos, colour schemes, and other branding elements can create a cohesive and professional image.

4. Engagement: A well-crafted opening title sequence can captivate the audience's attention and stimulate their interest. It can serve as a creative palette cleanser, transitioning attendees from their everyday concerns into the conference mindset.

5. Energy Boost: The right music and visuals can energise the audience, creating a positive atmosphere that encourages active participation and engagement throughout the conference.

With this in mind a clear vision lept forth, something that was slick, a bit sexy, felt epic, raw and held some gravitas. While plants are often used to symbolise growth, we decided to delve deeper, exploring the raw elements that contribute to the growth of a plant or the success of a pitch. With a fast turnaround in mind, we opted for stock video of earth, air, water and plants growing from seeds. They were brought together in a montage, synced to an upbeat, synthy track.

PowerPoint Design: Ensuring Continuity

Once the branding was approved, it was rolled out as a professional PowerPoint template. This was provided to each presenter to ensure:

1. Consistency: A unified visual theme across all presentations helps to create a cohesive and professional look for the conference. This consistency can make the event more memorable and engaging for attendees.

2. Ease of Use: Providing a template simplifies the process for presenters, as they don't have to worry about design aspects and can focus on their content. This can lead to higher-quality presentations, as presenters can devote more time to their research and delivery.

3. Accessibility: A well-designed template will consider aspects like font size, colour contrast, and layout to ensure that the content is accessible to all attendees, including those with visual impairments.

4. Professionalism: A professionally designed template can elevate the perceived quality of the conference. It shows that the organisers value quality and attention to detail, which can enhance the reputation of the event.

Agenda Brochure: Keeping Track of Events

To help attendees keep track of the conference's events, custom agenda brochures were created. These marketing materials were not only functional but also served as a tangible reminder of the conference's theme and branding.

1. Organisation: A brochure provides a clear, concise overview of the conference schedule, allowing attendees to plan their time effectively. They can easily see when and where each session, workshop, or keynote speech is taking place.

2. Reference: Attendees can refer back to the brochure throughout the conference to check session times, locations, and details. This is particularly useful in large conferences with multiple parallel sessions.

3. Speaker Information: Brochures often include information about the speakers, such as their professional background and the topics they will cover. This can help attendees decide which sessions to attend.

4. Brand Engagement: A well-designed brochure can enhance attendees' engagement with the conference's brand. It's a tangible item that attendees can take home, serving as a reminder of the event.

5. Networking: The brochure can include information about networking events, social activities, and other opportunities for attendees to connect with each other.

6. Ease of Use: Unlike digital alternatives, a physical brochure doesn't require a device or internet connection to access. This can make it a more convenient option for some attendees.

The Conference Website: Accessibility On-the-Go

In addition to the printed brochures, a mobile-friendly conference website was created. This allowed attendees to keep track of events on the go and provided useful features such as Google Map links to specific locations. The website design was in line with the overall branding of the conference, providing a seamless experience for attendees.

Takeaway Gift: The Cherry on Top

As the curtains fell on the conference, attendees were treated to a delightful surprise that encapsulated the event's theme of growth. Each participant received their own mini potted succulent, a living (and hard-to-kill) memento of the knowledge and connections cultivated during the event. This thoughtful takeaway gift not only served as a symbol of appreciation but also as a lasting reminder of the experience. Benefits of such a unique parting gift include:

1. Appreciation: A gift can serve as a token of appreciation for the attendees' time and participation. It shows that the organisers value their presence and contribution to the event.

2. Memorability: A well-chosen gift can help make the conference more memorable. Every time participants use or see the gift, they'll be reminded of their experience at the conference.

3. Encourages Attendance: Knowing that there's a gift at the end can provide an additional incentive for attendees to stay until the very end of the conference. However, we prefer it to be a nice surprise and not an expectation.

4. Creates a Positive Impression: A thoughtful gift can leave attendees with a positive impression of the conference and the organisation, which can enhance their relationship and team morale.

Conclusion:

From the intro video production to the PowerPoint design services, brochure creation, and website design, every element was thoughtfully considered and professionally executed. This holistic approach to conference design ensured a successful and memorable event that truly embodied the theme of growth.