7 Reasons to Attend Elevate D.C. 2015

The one-day conference for event and meeting professionals returns to Washington on August 5 with a new lineup of speakers.

151 Bizbash Elevate Photo By Shooting Stars Pro Copy1
Photo: Shooting Stars Pro

In just three short weeks Elevate D.C. will return, bringing speakers, inspiring ideas, and smart tips for event and meeting professionals to the Ronald Reagan Building. The one-day conference on August 5 will feature new workshops and topics for discussion—all designed to provide attendees with the tools and inspiration they need to create innovative experiences.

Don't Miss Elevate D.C. 2015

If you haven't registered yet, here are just a few reasons to check out this year's event.

1. It's a crowded, noisy landscape and you just want to be heard.
In today's world of meetings and events, brands and organizations are expected to adapt a constant stream of ideas, strategies, and technology to reach an audience that's more discerning and hungrier for meaningful ways to interact and learn. The whirlwind pace means that the challenge is not just keeping up, but also standing out. Fred Dust, partner at IDEO, is the morning's keynote speaker and will explore how his company continuously looks for ways to create events that not only innovate, but also have a meaningful impact. And in his workshop, 360 Live Media founder and C.E.O. Don Neal will share his six-point plan for crafting game-changing experiences.

2. You want to integrate cool technology—without breaking the bank.
Technology's role at live experiences is ever-evolving, but smart industry professionals are finding ways to integrate new gadgets and tech tools without sending their budgets skyrocketing. Richard Steinau, the executive vice president at AV Concepts, will lead an afternoon workshop that discusses how to use technology effectively and keep attendees engaged and responsive.

3. You're looking to change the way you think about event design.
Design is far more than picking a theme and filling a room: the way an event or meeting looks can set the tone for the content to come. Colin Cowie, one of the most noted event designers working today, will share his experiences as the keynote speaker of Elevate D.C.'s luncheon, taking questions from the audience.

4. You want to reach millennials, but don't know how.
It's perhaps one of the most talked-about generations in marketing and one that represents approximately $200 billion in annual buying power. For those looking to understand how to engage millennials, MKTG chief creative officer Ben Roth will host an afternoon workshop tackling just that topic. Roth will discuss how a mix of cause marketing, mobile technology, content marketing, and social media can increase event and brand awareness and connect with the current generation of consumers.

5. There are so many social media channels, you can't figure out which one is right for your event.
Hashtags, selfies, and memes are just a few of the ways people are communicating on social media platforms today. So how can event and meeting organizers know what makes sense for them? In a morning workshop, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler will host his Social Media Mashup, bringing in industry professionals to debate what gets the attention of guests today and how that influences social media sharing.

6. You're all about the R.O.I.
Whether it's finding new ways to integrate sponsors or updating an annual fund-raiser, the biggest question for every event and meeting professional is—and always has been—was it worth it? Proving the return on investment means delivering value, and for those looking to make their efforts more effective, there are two sessions exploring the concept. In a morning workshop, Fight for Children's chief operating officer, Keith Gordon, and director of external relations, Jeff Travers, will explain how a new sponsor changed their thinking and led to a record fund-raising haul at Fight Night D.C. And in an afternoon workshop, Jessie Rubin, industry events manager for Yahoo, will examine what brands are looking for in event sponsorship today and the steps she takes to improve sponsor R.O.I.

7. You want to meet and network with others just like you.
Events and meetings are all about people and the ability to make new contacts, share best practices, and even find solutions to common problems. Elevate D.C. will have plenty of time for mingling and chatting, including at the luncheon and afternoon break as well as the post-conference cocktail reception.

Don't Miss Elevate D.C. 2015

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