Eric's Notes

DM Days Deadline

2006-12-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

The deadline for submitting presentations has been extended to Tuesday, January 9. It would be great if this means that there is an opportunity for some new speakers and new presentation ideas.

DM Days Accepting Presentation Proposals

2006-12-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

This came in today rom the DMA's Conference Division:

This is a friendly reminder that the deadline for submitting your session proposal to
DM Days Conference & Expo 2007 is quickly approaching. Please submit your proposal by Friday, December 22, 2006.
The RFP Form is available at http://email.the-dma.org/cgi-bin13/DM/y/hicw0NA64I0G830X3I0Ek

Producing Chief Compliance Officer Event

2006-11-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on an event designed specifically for CCO's in the financial services industry. Please contact me for more info at ejager@speakerselect.com.

Securities Industry Event

2006-06-03T04:41:00.000-07:00

I'm programming an event that addresses complex financial transactions and is geared to investment bankers, securities houses, ratings agencies, lawyers and trading platform providers. It is really quite a culture shock for me, having worked for a number of years in interactive advertising and internet marketing. I'm reminded that every industry has its own culture and way of communicating with each other. As a conference producer, you really have to immerse yourself in the culture of your speakers, sponsors, and delegates. And you better do it quickly.

Info regarding Autism Awareness Month

2006-04-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

My family recently joined COSAC - The NJ Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community.

April is Autism Awareness Month and online ambassadors are requesting contributions to help COSAC to continue to provide information and referral, education, and advocacy to parents and professionals serving individuals with autism spectrum disorders. For more information visit our site.

Im not much of a fundraiser, but COSAC does alot of important stuff.

Project Based Sponsorship Sales Opportunities

2006-03-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

A contact just sent on two listings for freelance sponsorship sales positions. One appears to be a straight sales position, and the other looks to be more high-level, creating strategy and new opportunities.

Drop me a note if interested.

SpeakerSelect Conference Producer Network

2006-03-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

I'm tired of turning down freelance conference producer gigs because I don't have enough time/bandwidth to take on all of the work that is out there.

Over the past year or so, I've seen an increase in the number of freelance producing opportunities that are either advertised or come to me via a recommendation. More and more, conference organizers, trade show companies and associations that were initially reluctant to use freelancers are coming to realize the benefits of such a relationship with an experienced producer. By that I mean, the kind of professional who can hit the ground running with minimal direction, confirm quality speakers, produce fresh brochure copy and work well with sponsorship, marketing, analysts, advisory boards, etc.

I'm encouraged by all of this, and am looking to hook up with other experienced freelancers to share leads for project work. This kind of network will really benefit conference companies and associations, as well as those of us who are often unable to take on work because of timing.

If you are a freelancer and you'd like to get in touch about forming a network, please get in touch.

BtoB's New Calendar of Marketing, Advertising & Media Events

2006-01-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

Here's a new resource to find upcoming events courtesy of BtoB. I'll try to provide some insight/analysis of events as they are posted.

Speakers Needed for Food Industry Event

2006-01-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

The focus of the conference is safety and security issues. The target speaker and conference delegates are security, logistics, and transportation executives from food manufacturers and processors--and the event is coming up quickly.

Please email Eric Jager, ejager@speakerselect.com for more information.

Speaking Opportunities on IAB's Direct Response Event

2006-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

The Interactive Advertising Bureau posted the agenda for the March Direct Response conference in Chicago. Given that there are no speakers listed, one can assume that there are a lot of opportunities still available.

Nortel's Virtual Trade Show

2006-01-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

This Marketing Sherpa case study outlines the elements of Nortel's recent virtual trade show and hails it as a success and an example for vendors who are looking to expand on the content and information exchange capabilities of webinars.

Participants have the opportunity to invite other virtual-show-goers to engage in a private conversation during this all day event. As expected, according to the case study, the show's success was dependent on the delivery of meaningful content to its participants.

I may be old fashioned, but I still believe that there is no substitute for the in-person interaction that is made possible by real trade shows when it comes to gleaning information on potential vendors, partners and customers. Back in the day, when I was with USA Network, I engaged in what is now known as customer relationship management while strolling down the Atlantic City boardwalk with affilites.

On the other hand, I remember when the entire affiliate relations team flew down to New Orleans for a five hour seminar on cable industry re-regulation at a total cost of over $7,000. Would have been nice as a webinar.

The 21st Century College Media Geek

2006-01-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

When I was a freshman at the Ithaca College School of Communications, I had a class called Introduction to Broadcast Production which included multiple sessions on being an eighties-style DJ. We spun records on multiple turntables, and read a mock weather reports. It seemed kind of silly at the time. Now it seems silly and quaint.

The current issue of the Ithaca College Quarterly touts CellFlix, "the first student film festival for movies shot entirely on a cell phone." The Dean of IC's Park School of Communications created the contest to "inspire and recognize creative uses of the medium." This kind of language sounds very familiar to me, having spent the past year or so producing Interactive industry events. I hope IC has a class on how to monetize all of this stuff. I know alot of people who'd want to audit it.

Call for Presentations: DMA Conference and Exhibition

2006-01-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

This came the other day via email from the DMA. Notice the focus on INTERACTIVE. Let me know if I can help with a presentation proposal.

Dear Colleagues:
In preparation for DMA·06 Conference and Exhibition (October 14-18,
2006, Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, CA) we encourage you to
submit a session proposal should you or a colleague wish to be considered as
a presenter. Please see below the conference overview for your reference:
Conference Overview: DMA·06 Conference and Exhibition is the direct
and interactive marketing industry's most important event for discovering
cutting-edge thinking and networking with today's outstanding marketing
practitioners.
We have added a twist to this years' call for papers. We now have two
RFP's:
a) Areas of Direct Marketing, focusing on the processes of Direct Marketing
(Executive Issues, Planning and Research, CRM, List and Database Management
and Production/Fulfillment):
http://www.the-dma.org/conferences/conferencecatalog/dma06_Rrfp_form.shtml
b) Areas of Interactive Marketing, focusing on (Search Engine marketing,
Email Marketing, Affinity Marketing, Web Design & Development, etc.):
http://www.the-dma.org/conferences/conferencecatalog/dma06_interactive_Rrfp_
form.shtml
Please apply to the RFP that best fits your discipline.
The deadline for proposal submissions is January 25, 2006.
Please review the proposal requirements and review process at the top of the
RFP form. We suggest you to type and save your proposal in a word document,
and then transfer the data to the web form. Also note, only proposals
submitted via the online form will be accepted. Thank you for supporting our
efforts to create educational conferences tailored to the needs of the
direct and interactive marketing industry. If you have any questions or
concerns about the proposal, please e-mail DMA06RFP@the-dma.org and we will
reply promptly.

Consumer Generated Media Article references MIXX

2005-10-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a ClickZ article that references commentary on consumer generated media from MIXX.

Eric

Call for presentations: DMA B2B Event

2005-09-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

You can access the proposal form at:

http://www.the-dma.org/conferences/dmadmb/DMB06RFP.pdf

The deadline for proposal submissions is September 21, 2005

Gateway to Freelance Conference Production Services

2005-08-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

Check back for more information on this new resource for conference organizers and associations.

On Conference Advisory Boards and Committees

2005-08-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

I've worked with conference advisory boards on events serving a number of difference industries. In each case, a group of industry experts came together to determine to most relevent topics and speakers for an upcoming conference. In many instances, the board would also work on strategy and tactics for implementing marketing and sponsorship development programs.

Some of these boards were highly effective, tapping into the collective market intelligence, business networks and functional skill-sets of all board members. Others were less successful, missing production and marketing deadlines, and experiencing gridlock which caused some great ideas to get lost in committee. It occurs to me that the effective boards did indeed function in an advisory capacity and that the failures were...well....committees.

Here are the differences:

An advisory board provides the benefit of their expertise to a conference producer who makes programming decisions based on this collective wisdom and other factors including production deadlines and information gleaned by supplimental primary and secondary market research. One official advisory board meeting is typically all that is required to provide an experienced conference producer with enough information to to complete the research, speaker recruitment, and brochure development tasks associated with a successful event. After the board meeting, the producer calls on individual members of the advisory board based on the individual's expertise, market knowledge and availability.

A committee makes programming decisions during committee meetings (by committee, of course). From my experience, committees meet once or twice per month beginning anywhere from six months to a year prior to the event. Committee members are relied upon much more heavily for inviting speakers and for providing feedback on working conference outlines. Typically, committee approval or consensus is required on agenda items and speakers to be included for keynotes and panels.

High quality conference programs are produced by advsiory boards which have exceptional collective knowledge, perspective and business relationships relative to the topic at hand. The key to a successful conference program is to appoint an conference producer. This person must have the trust of the advisory board. He or she must have the editorial acumen and commercial instincts to funnel all of the board's brain power into a cohesive and compelling agenda that is delivered on time and under budget.

Podcasting: A hot topic for direct marketing conferences?

2005-05-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

This Business Week article on podcasting's viability as a marketing tool offers some insight into how a tier one brand marketer like General Motors might use podcasts to enhance marketing efforts.

Without doubt, it is useful to look at effective utilization of paid and organic search when considering how podcasts might compliment existing branding and direct response campaigns. Consumer use of Search can be viewed as a barometer for Podcasting efforts with respect to variables including product category, buying cycle considerations and customer call-to-action.

Consumers that use search as a research tool for big-ticket transactions (auto, real estate) may very well be inclined to actively seek out and collect product/service information for their review "on-the-go." (Other categories, with shorter, impulse-driven buy-cycles will use podcasting for brand development and extention, but let's focus on a big-ticket item for now)

At IAB's Leadership Forum: The Performance Marketing Imperative, Jack Bowen, General Director of CRM for GM, showed a DVD which served as an interactive brochure. Mr. Bowen didn't utter the word podcast during his keynote. However, it's certainly possible to imagine a group of direct marketers listening to someone who can combine the "How to's" of portable infomercial creation and distribution with proven database marketing practices. Suppose an auto podcast includes a visual representation of next years model, key competitive differentiators, product information and special offers, or any combination of information and images that align with existing customer/prospect segmentation strategies. Certainly, podcast producers will have to explain issues inlcuding cost, flexibility, scalability and accountability to brand marketers, particularly those with highly fragmented customer segments.

Revenue Strategies for Meeting Planners

2005-05-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

Randi Rosenberg, who used to run the conference division at the American Management Association, is teaching a new course at New York University's School of Continuing & Professional Studies, Preston Robert Tisch School of Hospitality, Tourism & Sports Management:

Marketing & Revenue Strategies for Meeting Planners
October 15-16, 2005
http://www.scps.nyu.edu/departments/course.jsp?courseId=48904

If you feel like you're drowning in venue RFPs and BEOs and you don't even have time to think about maximizing your meeting's profitability, this may be a very good investment.

When Conference Topics Collide

2005-05-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here's an article about innovation in the interactive advertising industry. It really caught my eye because I am actively researching conference/session ideas in corporate innovation and online advertising....but I hadn't considered combining the two.

A number of New Jersey-based consultants have spent a great deal of time considering how organizations can sustain on-going innovation without sacraficing short-term quality and productivity. Dr. Dean Robb, principal of Robb Consulting, points out through his website that

"Small, nimble competitors can emerge from nowhere, move with blinding speed, and subvert industry incumbents, because incumbents can't respond quickly and effectively. Disconcertingly, dominance can disappear almost overnight. To survive - let alone thrive - in this climate requires creating and continually renewing a spirit of disciplined entrepreneurship… "

The MediaPost article (by Michael Leo, CEO of Trafficmac)references the term ambidextrous business coined by two Harvard professors. Dr. Robb speaks of resiliency, to describe organizations that can innovate while maintaining a high level of operational efficiency. Whatever you call it, digital marketing vendors and practitioners should take heed if they want to be positioned for growth in a business climate that is susceptible to rapid shifts caused by changes in technology, performance standards, competition and regulation.

Should be an interesting topic of discussion among key industry players from publishers agencies and brand marketers.

SpeakerSelect Blog Featured by 4WebResults

2005-05-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Tom Parish featured my blog in his own, using it as an example of how a small business can use a blog effectively. I'm just getting started, but I appreciate the mention.

Tom is looking for ideas for interviews to include on future podcasts. He's a real SEO expert and is well versed on the intersection of marketing and technology. If you've got something to say on search, viral or podcasting, please let me know. (Of course if you've written a book or can provide a solid current case study, I'm really interested in talking to you.)

Eric

Conference Content Makes a Comeback

2005-05-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

When I was hired by Frost & Sullivan in 1999, I was the only full time conference programming person in the events division. I was based in the old 90 West Street office which was populated primarily by salespeople - sponsorship sales, delegate sales (aka "seat sales") and account executives who sold Frost's research products.

There was alot of dot.com excitement in the air, particularly when the sponsorship group confirmed key title sponsors for an event that was to be called "Internet Marketing Strategies Conference and Exhibition." A rapidly growing list of sponsors and exhibitors, most of whom I had never heard of, were salivating at the opportunity to be a part of this program. More sponsorship sales managers were hired to return phone and email inquiries from interested vendors who were ready to write $25,000 checks with the understanding that they would have a speaking opportunity. As the program content expert, I was invited to participate on conference calls with my sales guys and a representative from interested potential sponsors (usually a marketing person). If I confirmed a speaking slot for the vendor, they wrote the check. I confirmed lots of speaking slots and the conference division collected checks totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In the meantime, I was working late to finalize the agendas and speaker rosters for two conferences that were to occur before "Internet Marketing Strategies." When I had the time to work on IMS, I did some market research to create an agenda around the speakers we had confirmed. Ultimately that conference made lots of money (for all of us involved), but the delegate evaluations were less than glowing. Overcrowded panels. I got complaints from the delegate sales guys who said that their clients wanted fewer vendors on the program. Still, my schedule was filling up with sponsor conference calls to discuss speaking opportunities on upcoming programs. More sponsor sales people were hired.

Then the dot.com boom went bust and the conference industry suffered accordingly. Sponsor sales people disappeared as quickly as they appeared. But the Frost conference division leveraged this market downturn to focus on program content as a competitive differentiator.

We introduced a new highly interactive "executive summit" format. Vendors were no longer confirmed for general session speaking opportunties. Instead we created intereactive breakout sessions which were to be led by a select group of sponsoring vendors. I worked on the breakout topics with the sponsor, and we developed and enforced a strict set of guidelines to insure that these breakout sessions fostered highly interactive and informed discussions among the delegates.

I encouraged breakout sponsors to think very carefully about who from their organization to tap as "facilitator" (not "moderator" as labels are important and have nuanced meaning with respect to roles and delegate expectations). With many tech/software companies, their reflex was to nominate a senior level sales/business development executive--which worked only if that executive was also comfortable wearing consultant's shoes. One of the first questions I would ask potential breakout sponsors was "Can you tell me a little about the ongoing consultative relationship you have with your clients?"

The sales team sought to seed each breakout session with "thoughtleaders," i.e. practitioners who held positions of influence in Fortune 500 corporations. These thought-leaders were encouraged to stimulate informed discussion at the breakout of their choice. There were event marketing benefits as well. Thoughtleaders were featured in the conference brochure which served to reinforce the interactive nature of the breakouts and the conference in general.

Frost & Sullivan sponsorship revenue plateaued and dipped in alignment with the conference industry trend, but there was an upward spike in delegate approval ratings which was due to the quality of the program content (which featured case studies in addition to interactive sessions.) Sponsors were happy because they were interacting directly with prospects who were most interested in what they had to say. Stated more directly, the Frost executive summits enabled informed discussion on timely topics by speakers, sponsors and highly engaged practitioners in a specific vertical market or business discipline. In my view, it was during this period that Frost & Sullivan became known for producing great events on a consistent basis.

This focus on quality program content is a winning formula that will withstand the ups and downs of sponsorship investment. The decline and disappearance of many trade shows is --in part--a cautionary sign about an over-reliance on sponsorship revenue. Conference producers and associations that can consistently get the right people talking about the right issues are best positioned to optimize revenue (sponsorship and seat sales) in any economic climate.

e-Fluentials Team Member's Key Takaways from "Broadband & Beyond"

2005-05-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Broadband Changing TV Technology

Sarah Dietz, One of Burson Marstellars e-fluentials team summarizes key points from the IAB Leadership Forum: Broadband & Beyond.

Sara says:

"Here is a brief list of predictions for the future of TV-based entertainment in the US:
--> The next big thing in US television will be 3G technology, which is very popular in Asia right now. Users of this technology can watch television on their cell phones.
--> The next big thing in television will be "slice channels". MTV does this with MTV-U, which is only available on college campuses. Slice channels are television stations specifially geared to a "slice" of a demographic (i.e. young adults age 18 - 22; male adults age 35 - 45)
--> It is recommended to take cues from other media when developing online content. See what else is going on maybe offline and develop similar content for the Web (e.g., video ads).
--> Broadband is pushing demand for VOD (video-on-demand) services.
--> Television shows are going online. It's not just schedules and comments anymore."

Another Article on the SmartVideo Announcment

2005-05-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

This article references Monday's event.

SmartVideo's announcement at Broadband & Beyond

2005-05-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I wrote that at least one speaker at Broadband and Beyond would use the venue for a major announcement. The speaker was Richard Bennett, CEO of SmartVideo, and the announcement was that they have entered into a partnership to provide free music videos through mobile devices. The service will be completely driven by ad revenues.

There were alot of unanswered questions and Mr. Bennett used his "15 Minutes into the future" segment on mobile content as a forum for self-promotion...but, in this case, it worked. Ad-supported mobile content is in its' infancy, but here's a guy who is spending a whole lot of time to make it happen. He's worth watching.

MediaPost ran an article on the new SmartVideo revenue model as well.

Thanks, Tom, for the Podcasting Insight

2005-05-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Tom Parish, a real podcasting & blogging guru (and a southern gentleman to boot) , writes a nice note about Broadband and Beyond. Tom, I enjoyed working with you as well, and hope we can do it again.

Eric

The Street.com covers Yesterday's IAB Broadband Event

2005-05-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

I was expecting to see some coverage in the industry press but it was gratifying to see that The Street.com included some tidbits from Jack Myers' interview of Van Toffler as part of an article on the TV upfront season. After all, there was a lot to cover yesterday, with Jeff Zucker talking up the NBC schedule.

The Street.com article, by Sandy Brown quoted Toffler as saying that "TV networks need to experiment with different models and "not be fearful that it will cannibalize what you do on TV.""

Sold Out

2005-05-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Monday's Broadband and Beyond Leadership forum is completely sold out. I've had to politely decline speakers' requests for VIP event passes--instead offering the opportunity to slip in--badgeless--for a single presentation. At least one presenter says he'll use the IAB forum for a major announcement.

Write a Book and get Paid Speaking Gigs. Not so fast!

2005-05-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

It used to be really hard to get a business book published. It took lots of time, dedication and passion. It helped if you were an acknowledged expert in your field of interest. Now, with the proliferation of self-publishing companies, the game has changed. If you want to get published, it takes money.

Self-publishing companies, or "full rights" publishing firms as they are sometimes called, market their services to aspiring business authors by promising fame and fortune on the speaking circuit. They may be members of the National Speakers Association and they sometimes offer advice about setting up book signings and other high-profile events to support the sale of your book. They provide this kind of advice because, as "full-rights" firms, the author has bought all the rights to their book, typically for an amount in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The publishing firm, which provides editorial, design, and marketing services, tells the author that conference organizers will now pay them to speak about their area of expertise. They'll make back their investment and a whole lot more. When the author gets a speaking gig, he can offer the organizer a bunch of free books to give away to conference attendees. The cost of the books is built into the fee paid by the conference organizer to the speaker/author. The author pays the publisher for the books. The speaker/author gets more gigs and more fees and buys more books. Repeat as necessary. Everyone wins.

Unfortunately, it's rarely this easy. If you're an author, by all means, mention it when you submit a proposal to speak at an event. It will help you to get the attention of the conference producer. But if you want to speak at event produced by a national conference company, don't be surprised if you are not offered a fee. Or travel expenses. Or anything other than the opportunity to speak on the program. Major conference organizers like the Institute for International Research allocate a minimal "speaker budget" for each event they produce. This budget is typically allocated to offset the travel expenses of a client-side speaker who has no interest in selling books or consulting services. You, on the other hand, have something to sell.

If you want to get paid to speak at events, you can make it happen by establishing yourself as a presenter at high-profile conference which features case studies by executives from well-known companies. Share the stage with with the speaking heavyweights, and you will become one yourself. Writing a book is an important accomplishment. Being a (self) published author will open doors for you. But if you want to get to a point where you can command a fee for speaking, you need to speak-- alot. Unless, of course, you are already famous.

Spyware and Kids-- Mainstream Media Tees up the Topic

2005-05-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

Looks like the mainstream media hasn't yet given up on spyware as a topic. Yesterday's MSNBC article puts Claria and others on the defensive, this time with a focus on kids and tracking software. Seems to me that privacy protection and advocacy and the digital landscape (or something like that) will remain as an issue to be discussed and debated at industry events for quite a while. As we are becoming more familiar with the "Chief Privacy Officer" title, it may be worthwhile to consider other perspectives to bring into the debate. Let me know if you have any ideas. I'm listening.

Call For Presentations - Another Digital Media Event

2005-05-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Streaming Media West is accepting speaker proposals until the end of May.

According the website, no travel expenses will be reimbursed. Vendors and end-users have separate submission forms. Even after the official submission deadline, the organizer allows potential speakers to input information into their speaker database. Vendors--If you are really interested in this event or other digital marketing conferences/trade shows, go ahead and approach your best clients about getting involved as speakers. I'm betting that it will help to stack the odds in your favor.

Speaker Proposals for IAB MIXX-EXPO at Ad Week in NY

2005-04-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

I'm reviewing speaker proposals for the MIXX EXPO, jointly produced by the IAB and Adweek. Looking for case studies, panel presentations and market/research updates. Here is the official blurb for the event--

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and Adweek Magazines have combined their unique influence and industry expertise to jointly produce MIXX (Marketing and Interactive Excellence) Conference and Expo, the pre-eminent Interactive advertising event of the year.
Scheduled for September 26th and 27th, MIXX Conference and Expo fuses together the perfect combination of programming and people. With a veritable who's who line-up of speakers, a jam-packed exhibit hall and thousands of the right attendees, MIXX Conference and Expo will help kick-off Advertising Week 2005.

Submit through the IAB or contact me through SpeakerSelect with any questions. As always, vendors are encouraged to recommend client brand marketers.

Diversity Events--The Conference Board

2005-04-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Conference Board produces their Diversity events in conjunction with their Diversity Council. It's too late to submit a presentation for their event coming up in a couple of weeks. CB accepts speaker proposals on a rolling basis and usually develop program agendas about six months in advance. Study the brochure for this May event for ideas on your own presentation proposal or contact me via the SpeakerSelect site.

I've got the speaking topic - all I need is an audience

2005-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

You're a subject matter expert and you want to get out on the speaking circuit. Don't look to your local chamber of commerce for your opportunities. Do the research and locate the audience(s) that will be interested in what you've got to say.

If you're an expert in the mating rituals of the purple spotted tse-tse fly, you won't likely draw a standing room crowd to your speech at the local bookstore. You've got to go out and find your tse-tse fly enthusiasts. Where and how often do they congregate? Get in on their conversation, and get on a plane if you have to.

As a business expert, you can most easily become a "guru" if you are highly specialized. But like the tse-tse fly expert, you've got to find your audience. The American Society of Association Executives is a great place to start. Yes, this is an association of associations. You can access the site and search for associations by vertical market or business discipline. Do the research. When you've found a group that aligns with your expertise, check out their list of conferences and events. Get in on their conversation.

Conference Topic: Innovation through Diversity

2005-04-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last Fall, I put together a panel on Innovation through Diversity for the New Jersey Executives Club. It was well received by the execs in attendance. Some were surprised that the issue had practical and important business implications. A week or so ago, I started to look around for full-day conferences on the topic. It's a good speaking topic for execs and consultants with an R&D background as well as HR/OD. I'll report back.

Call for Presentations: Enterprise Management World

2005-04-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

Here's the Press release:

"Enterprise Management World Conference Announces Formal Call for Presentations for September 2005 Event

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. --(Business Wire)-- April 18, 2005 -- Presentation Proposal Deadline: Friday, May 13 IDG's Computerworld, "The Voice of IT Management," today announced the formal call for presentations for their Enterprise Management World (EMW) Conference, September 12 - 14, 2005, at the Marriott Bethesda North Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Co-owned by Computerworld and the Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF) -- the industry organization leading the development of management standards and integration technology for enterprise and Internet environments -- EMW is the industry's only enterprise IT management conference focused on the rapid growth of distributed management technologies and the convergence of management domains for the data center and the communications infrastructure. Submissions are now being accepted at http://www.emwusa.com/call_for_presentations.html."

How Consultants Confirm Repeat Speaking Gigs

2005-04-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

If you’ve spent any time researching speaking opportunities with associations and conference companies, you’ve likely had to complete a generic presentation proposal form without having a clear understanding of the conference theme and objectives. Maybe you’ve been told that the conference producer is still polling the primary market to determine “commercially viable” topics. You will be notified when and if it is determined that your proposal meets the needs and expectations of their target market. Effectively, you’re playing pin-the-tail-on-donkey, without any real understanding of whether or not the exercise is worth your time.
You can avoid this process-- and confirm speaking engagements that support your marketing objectives– by understanding how conferences are produced and by serving as ongoing an expert resource. In order to do this, it is important to understand the following truths about the conference development process.

1. Conference companies view individual conferences as products in a portfolio-- they want to bring profitable new products to market before their competition.

2. A conference producer is not necessarily a subject matter expert. As an example, one of the most profitable conferences I’ve produced was about the economic viability and technical considerations of floating production systems as a means for offshore oil development. (Huh?)

3. A conference producer, like a journalist, does seek out the opinions of unbiased subject matter experts when developing new events and in fine-tuning conference agendas.

4. The most successful conference companies place an unwavering emphasis on confirming big-name buy-siders (i.e. your dream clients) as speakers and will often confirm a consultant’s session proposal only under the pressure of a looming deadline.

Given these truths, here are a few suggestions for creating mutually beneficial relationships with conference companies:

1.Don’t submit a session proposal. Offer a conference proposal outlining major program themes, target market (buy side), and sponsorship potential (sell side).

2. Provide the benefit of your expertise during the program research phase for your proposed conference (or any similar program). This may be as simple as taking 20 minutes to provide thoughtful comments and feedback on a preliminary conference outline.

3. Offer to develop and lead an interactive workshop which will build on the topics in the outline. Buy-siders often don’t have the time or the inclination to lead workshops, and your own status will be enhanced by leading an extended, in-depth session which may get special attention from the conference marketing manager.

4. Offer to moderate a panel of big-name Buy-siders and to prep each panel participant prior to the event. (Buy-siders are often more likely to sit on a well structured panel than to deliver 45-minute case study, as less preparation is required on their part.) Refer clients as panelists if possible. Again, your status will be enhanced--this time by sharing the podium with practitioners with no motive for self-promotion.

5. Every time you do participate in a conference (as a speaker or attendee) provide a timely, thoughtful and tactful critique of the entire program—and DO stay for as much of the program as possible.By offering yourself as an expert, and responding quickly and professionally to requests for assistance and feedback, you set the stage to be called on repeatedly as an expert resource and speaker.

Broadband & Beyond

2005-04-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying doing program development and speaker recruitment for IAB's Broadband & Beyond event coming up May 16th in NYC. The event is all about content development, emerging delivery models and related brand-marketer opportunities. This is the first event I've done in a long time that requires a cable industry programming perspective. We've got Van Toffler of MTV being interviewed by Jack Myers and a number of strong panels and breakouts. As I'm doing research for this event, I'm reminded of the second event I produced for IIR (circa 1995) on New Media Content and Advertising Strategies. Yesterday, I looked at the brochure for that event and I laughed out loud.