By Emma Aru
President and Founder
ega professional conference organisers
How can a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) develop long term relationships with conference and event suppliers? How do suppliers react to changes in the economic climate? What are the key challenges a PCO faces with supplier contracts? How can PCOs and suppliers successfully align themselves to achieve meaningful benefits for the client?…
Read MoreBy Bannie Kim
President & CEO
MECI
Across the world today, ubiquitous and digital information based technologies are becoming an increasing part of our lives. As their application becomes more widespread across society in general, so too does their impact on the meeting industry. Harnessing the latest in cutting edge technology has improved efficiency in conference administration including registration processes and session room operation, often with cost effective and environmentally friendly implications.…
Read MoreBy Edwina Stevens and Joanne Tovey
Project Managers
Arinex
Establishing strong relationships with clients is key for a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) to achieve success and the Project Manager is the face of the PCO.
It is crucial in the initial stage for the Project Manager to receive a thorough briefing on the background of the client event in the handover from the sales team. The first meeting agenda should allow for discussion of the financial and non-financial objectives, marketing and sponsorship targets and the delegate profile…
Read MoreBy Anastasia Vatsika
Managing Director
AC&C International S.A
In-depth knowledge and understanding of a congress market is key to developing a successful marketing strategy. Defining the key target audience, monitoring competition and setting clear objectives will always be the first step. As competition in the marketplace intensifies, communicating your message to this target audience can no longer be taken for granted. The “Information Boom” has seen a dramatic growth in the use of web campaigns and social networks as a low-cost, far-reaching alternative to the traditional marketing campaign…
Read MoreBy Roslyn McLeod
Managing Director
Arinex
The key to developing a high quality scientific programme comes with forward planning and in-depth knowledge/expertise of the industry. This can be done in different ways but the most common would be via a scientific program committee who are a compilation of international experts or a local appointed from the host country or nearby region or in some cases a retained expert paid to research and capture the most up to date science…
Read MoreBy Robin Lockerman
President Asia Pacific and Chief Executive Officer
MCI Group
As the world moves into a cycle of economic uncertainty, issues around budget and expense control will increasingly concern Associations and Conference Organising Committees. And rightly so – most Associations are “not-for-profit” entities and do not necessarily possess the “war chest” of financial resources that many commercial entities typically retain to sustain them in times of economic downturn. However, help is at hand – this is the specific area where a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) can perhaps contribute most value, despite the perception that engaging such services actually adds to the bottom line!...
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