After selling out in South Florida and Los Angeles this year, the Event Innovation Forum conference will make its debut in Chicago as part of the BizBash IdeaFest Chicago. The conference, which will be held November 13 at the Merchandise Mart, is designed to showcase the ideas and strategies of thought leaders via a single track of quick sessions. Covering an array of topics relevant to event and meeting professionals, the forum will include discussions on fostering innovation, the influence of social media in event design, and why developing strong relationships with sponsors is key to proving the value of events.
More details about the sessions are below; attendees can register for the forum here.
How Social Media Is Changing Event Design
Debi Lilly, chief eventeur, A Perfect Event
Pinterest, designers’ blogs, and TV shows are changing the face of event design as brides and event clients alike are collecting ideas from thousands of new social sources, making them savvy customers. In this session, Debi Lilly will discuss how social media is both changing how planners consult with future clients and changing how event designers are weaving social media elements into the fabric of the event to create capturable moments.
The Business of Relationships and Why It Matters
Lori Luna, vice president of event operations, BlogHer
In today's ever-changing event market, organizers are faced with numerous tasks such as managing expenses, delivering R.O.I., and driving revenue. The importance of managing relationships with sponsors and proving value is an art that must be carefully considered. In this session, Lori Luna, vice president of event operations for BlogHer, will share tips on how to maximize your financial impact when you invest in business relationships.
How to Think Like Google, Disney, and Other Innovative Brands
Kevin White, chief strategist, XPL
The event industry is one that lives and dies by the idea. But are we doing everything we can to nurture an innovative mindset in our companies and teams? Why do some companies seem to be constantly setting the trends, while others are following? What are Google, Disney, and 3M doing internally to foster a culture of innovation and ideation, and how can you adopt those principles to your team? In this session, Kevin White will look at the characteristics that define such processes, explain how to best apply them in a business setting, and give resources to foster creativity at your company.
What Event Professionals Can Learn From Amazon
Brian Rothenberg, senior director of marketing and user growth, Eventbrite
Leading online retailer Amazon is known for its “larger game plan” and strategic vision that has helped it become a multibillion-dollar company. In this session, Brian Rothenberg will share how event marketers should think about the event registration experience like the online retailer, because driving registrations and ticket sales is as much a science as it is an art. Rothenberg will share tips on how top companies like Amazon grow their sales and how these strategies can be used to boost attendance at your next event.
