OPENMICS Question: What do you get when you merge the boom of podcasts over the pandemic with the need to extend the reach of event content? Answer: An engaging way to extend the impact of an event, attract future attendees and build sponsorships. But that doesn’t mean just uploading straight audio, says Amanda Cupido, founder and CEO of Lead Podcasting, who recently spoke about how to create an event podcast at MPI’s the Event in Ottawa. She recalls a podcast she recently created out of the Change Leadership Conference: “After reviewing all of the raw footage MAIN- STAGEMIX Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is no longer an option, it is a requirement,” says Nutting. “Review who you have on your mainstage and be sure to diversify your thought leaders!” Sponsor Shift ”It’s becoming increasingly challeng- ing to secure one or two sponsors at $25K or higher for a conference or gala,” says Caitlin McElhone, CMP, CSEP, owner of CM Events in Edmonton. To compensate, she says, they are “curating smaller spon- sorship levels to reach targets. We are now looking at offering multiple unique showcase opportunities at the $10k level or less.” ZERO IN ON ZEN Wellness components at conferences and events have transitioned from trend to mainstay, but how it is executed is ever evolving. Elizabeth Nutting, CSEP, account director at TK Events in Vancouver, cites meditation moments incorporated into mainstage programming. “Tee them up so your audience is ready to be entirely present and use it consistently (every morning of your conference).” from the day, we landed on five key themes. Then we grouped golden nuggets based on theme, not based on schedule, not based on the person talking, so that now, with the episodes up online, people can search and learn more about a specific idea and a theme rather than what happened at nine o’clock that day. It’s a way to condense the information and share it in a new way.” Podcasts can be public-facing or deliv- ered through private feeds, offering flex- ible ways to target different audiences, says Cupido. Overall, podcasts help keep the event’s message alive long after it ends and offer a more accessible format for busy professionals. Hot Topics With education being a key factor in attendee retention, a discerning approach to who graces your stage is key. And it’s no longer enough to stick a speaker at a podium, says Tami Adams, founder, speaker strategist and speaker coach with TA Speakers Management. “In- teractive keynotes are in huge demand these days and people want entertainment! Attend- ees are looking for people who can truly engage, connect, interact, entertain their audiences while also ensuring educational takeaways along the way; these are key,” says Adams, who also cites the trend of keynote concerts. “Think immersive experiences, poetry and singing from the stage, dancing, you name it! The more immersive or interactive the better.” As for topics, “I have received more requests for topics on human-led, people-centric leadership than ever before,” says Adams. “Authenticity, vulnerability, putting the person first, and designing cultures and workplaces with the employees in mind will continue to be in-demand.” Specifically, people-focussed sales strategies, AI and tech, resilience and mental wellness, and creativity and innovation are all in-demand subjects. Winter 2024 | Ignitemag.ca | 27
