The
Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has launched
a series of limited-access events.
The idea
behind this series is to allow delegates to share and discuss issues impacting
their business in a confidential environment.
The
‘What keeps them up at night’ series has been categorised so that
attendees are among peers in similar roles and are therefore able to honestly
and openly share the highs and lows, successes and challenges faced in their
everyday lives.
The first,
created specifically for in-house professional conference organisers (PCOs), was
attended by 15 ABPCO members who directly organise events within association,
membership, not-for-profit or charity organisations. The discussions covered:
• Meeting design and how it is evolving
post-pandemic to be more collaborative and discussion-based. In particular, the drive for events to be
face to face with contingency plans for challenges, rather than defaulting to a
digital model.
• Delegate rates for the different
attendee types and the cost differentials inherent with hybrid events, post
event content and access for international delegates unable to travel.
• Delegate communication and the
importance of demonstrating the value proposition for in person
attendance. Conference marketing is
changing fast and PCOs need to evolve and engage if they are to keep up.
• Green considerations must be
balanced with an event’s ability to succeed.
How, truly can events be more sustainable, whilst remaining viable. How can organisers off-set carbon most
effectively and to what extent should delegates be expected to contribute.
These
closed-door events are run under Chatham House rules with only those relevant
to the discussion present. Further events are planned for ABPCO’s agency and
partner members as well as a follow up with the in-house members in September.
ABPCO’s
in-coming co-chair Emma Duffy, head of events at the Stroke Association said:
“ABPCO is a home and a haven for many individuals looking to find others who do
what they do; people they can collaborate with and ask questions of. This already happens naturally and
effectively at ABPCO’s wider events – but to have an event where we can ask the
difficult questions, collaborate and commiserate is invaluable. The event was a great success and I look
forward to more in the future.”
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
