Dwain Richardson is a regular contributor to Executive PA. This month Dwain provides 7 tips for an effective staff conference.
We often hear about many fundamentals for modern day business success, don’t we?
Inspiring leadership… a great work culture… a clear vision… effective communication… ongoing professional development… exceptional customer service… long-term strategic planning… adapting to change… and, team harmony may be on your list.
Is a regular staff conference on your list?
If it isn’t, it should be!
Why a staff conference is so valuable is it creates an environment focused on leadership, planning, professional development and team building.
It gets all staff together at the same time and for the same purpose without the distraction of their normal workplace and duties.
Now to plan an effective staff conference, here are seven tips on what to include…
- Welcome from your leader
This will be an inspiring way to set the scene for the conference ahead. This is an opportunity for your leader to reinforce the vision and values of the company, the value of all your people and introduce the theme of the conference so everyone has a clear focus.
- Guest speaker
A guest speaker will often present a fresh perspective on a topic to reinvigorate your audience. You will need to do your research on appropriate experts in that area and their suitability as engaging presenters.
- Inclusive forum
A purpose of staff conferences is to involve your people in the future of the company so plan some sessions to create discussion, feedback and ideas on the topic area. One-way presentations over a long duration will lose your audience and make it to absorb material.
- Corporate training workshop
Whilst your team is together, it presents an ideal time to train them with tailored workshops for their developmental needs. Some corporate training workshops will develop them individually and others can be focused on structuring and empowering high performance teams.
- Team building exercise
To provide some variety to keep your delegates energised and focused, it is important to incorporate some team building activities. These can be designed to reinforce the theme of the conference and get your people communicating and interacting whilst also having fun.
- Technology integration
Technology is an important part of our lives so why not harness this in your staff conference. Interactive technology such as live polling and surveys can be great to engage your people and provide options in how they can contribute rather than just verbally.
- Reinforce the conference theme
How do you keep the spirit alive after the conference? You can provide some visual reminders of the conference that your delegates can take with them back to the workplace. It may be a framed photo, another themed gift or even some additional learning resources that your staff can continue with.
To find out how we can help you plan an effective staff conference, visit our website at www.corporatechallenge.com.au
Dwain Richardson is the Managing Director of Corporate Challenge Events – leading the way in creating positive team cultures in businesses across Australia and New Zealand through conference planning, team building and corporate training.
