Analysing event’s website is one of the key elements in my event review. I believe event website is a hallmark which can (or cannot) tell a whole lot about the event. Often there are similar questions raised around what should be there on a conference’s or forum’s website. So recently I’ve come across WEC2018 and found it a perfect reference to share with you. Not is it only an example of how to present and structure event information. It surprisingly came as a visual aid for event design trends. See for yourself.
WEC 2018 seems to be a great example to follow in a number of things:
- I’ve got an email with a link to the website half a year before the conference. The agenda, yet very generic so far, is already up there.
- ‘About’ section includes all info required for this moment: a) practicalities (discounted flights and hotel rates etc) b) information about destination: what it is, why it is interesting to visit, why it has been chosen? Destination is one of the top drivers to attend (78%, according to Decision to Attend Study) and in 99% such information would be relevant for those who has just landed on the website and consider participating. So it would be smart to show the potential attendee what is positive about the place where the event is going to be held.
- The FAQ section is great here. Of course it will vary depending on your event, but if you’re in doubt about some major points to include into FAQ – look no further.
- Blog has started, and has some good content now, again half a year prior to the event. A pre-event activity as it is.
- Video. Everybody knows video is crucial today. It draws attention of many more people, so alongside the text describing the key elements on the main page you’ll see a short yet comprehensive video. It makes you go and buy the ticket, of course.
Finally, more than the above, WEC2018 website shows some fresh ideas and is a great visualisation for current event trends:
- The agenda starts early (well, that’s standard for the US but for others it’s something to consider. At least, it allows for early finish meaning a fresher attendee next day)
- Networking/lunch lasts for about 2 hours (longer breaks are considered better to allow for quality networking)
- Personalisation: ‘completely customizable education, networking and business exchanges’. Yet what astonished me is a WEC Experience Coach. Event experience coach. That’s something! I would definitely like one.
- A prep rally each day (we often discuss importance of the right state of mind and proper preparation for the day – so here we go!)
- Sessions to be held in so called WEC Villages – seems like the best practice for quality and smooth networking and co-creation.
- Oh, and this one: a separate lounge area at the Indianapolis airport, just for the WEC participants. What a service indeed! All seems to create the right mood long before the actual event starts. The opportunity itself gives one the feeling the organisers truly care about their attendees. The feeling they provide a high quality service and experience. The feeling the event is thoroughly thought over.
And these are the feelings we, organisers, are after, aren’t we?
