Feedback No One Really Wants on Conferences

As we make the turn for the holiday season in the US, I have reflected on the last year of conferences and I believe I have uncovered why I go with an air of excitement and optimism, and all too often leave frustrated, questioning the cost and time to attend.  So, in the spirit of not b****ing without a proposed solution, here are my top suggestions:
1.        New content:  tell me something I don’t already know.  New products, capabilities, processes, or regulations. Go deeper on a problem that was solved in a new way (more on that later).  Offer me perspective from another sector on the topic (outside in view) or geography all work to expand my perspective, knowledge and/or challenge my current way of thinking.
2.        Replace panels with presenters who can do deeper on a topic. Ideally a problem they solved in a new way, with new tech or just new thinking.  Don’t be afraid to show the economics of how you sold the concept and/or the impact your change on had on the business.  Sure, make the data generic as needed; show trends at a high level with perhaps no scale on either axis; my point is you can do this in a meaningful way that doesn’t divulge trade secrets.
3.        Panels with a purpose:  If we must, then challenge me to think differently, so get differing opinions on a panel.  Don’t overpopulate the panel so these perspectives can be absorbed and articulated in the necessary level of detail to make them meaningful.
4.        Set the tone: If you really want the harder hitting questions, then plant one, or have a conference host present who is prepared to play that role.  It is possible to be polite and professional, but still engage in the more difficult aspects of a topic.
5.        Leave behinds: Ensure there are clear take-aways or call to actions in the content.  Offer me follow up content that recaps key measures, trends and insights.  This goes a long way to help me justify the time and expense for attending the next conference.
6.        Enabled Networking:  I’m old, so I don’t know what the Tinder version of this suggestion is, but how about more of a personal ad approach to identifying who to connect with.  ‘Fraud professional seeking to meet and exchange insights on new account onboarding best practices. Interested in one time discussion or long term relationship.’  I for one am horrific at networking, so anything that helps me connect with folks I am most interested in meeting also helps me rationalize the investment.

See you all next year at new & improved round of conferences! 😏