Business conferences are designed to attract attendees in order to share a particular message or information about a designated industry. Networking, updating and learning occurs at well-planned conferences

Business conferences are designed to attract attendees in order to share a particular message or information about a designated industry. Networking, updating and learning occurs at well-planned conferences. Event planners enlist many skills to make certain all logistics are attended to, but the first step is to develop a theme that helps to deliver the overall message memorably to attendees.

1.

Establish the intent of your conference or overall message. Determine what the "takeaway" from the conference should be -- what you want your attendees to leave remembering. A clear message and intent is key to developing and choosing an effective theme for your conference.

2.

Consider the conference details, such as the number of people expected and the length of the conference. A short one-day conference shouldn't have as elaborate a theme as a longer three-day conference. The theme of a small conference of 30 people or less should be more focused than a larger conference that may include parties and galas.

3.

Keep the theme simple. Remember that less is more when it comes to planning a theme for a conference. The more complicated the theme becomes, the more extensive the decorations, favors, signage and invitations must be. Keeping the theme simple and to-the-point also prevents miscommunication of the overall message of the conference.

4.

Brainstorm a theme using popular theme categories. Many conferences use sports-related themes, such as "Teamwork Gets the Win," "Batter Up!" or "Winning is a Habit; Success is a Choice." Other conferences use themes from historical events or eras -- prohibition, gold rush or Independence Day -- great parties, like Hawaiian Luau or Mardi Gras, or movies, like "Top Gun" or "Casablanca." Some themes come from music or other inspirational quotes.

5.

Match the theme with your company or industry brand, if applicable. Keep your theme consistent with your image. A conference designed for clergy members should not have a theme based on wild partying. Likewise, a conference geared for the fashion industry shouldn't have a theme that insinuates primness or uniformity. Ensure that your theme complements your industry or company.

6.

Compare the theme's requirements with your budget. An extremely elaborate theme may cost more than a simple one. One that requires extensive or fancy invitations, signage, decor, materials or parting favors will cost more than one that is more simple in nature. Adhering to your budget is necessary; so set a theme that is in line with your budget.

7.

Set your theme and include it on all invitations, programs, informative emails and flyers, name tags, signs and conference-related gifts or memorabilia. Your theme should identify the conference and its attendees clearly and specifically. Order t-shirts, portfolios, notepads, pens and other giveaway items with the theme and logo on them for the conference.

Tip

• 
  A simple theme that is clearly stated with the conference's purpose will do the most to inform prospective attendees about the conference.
  

Warning

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  An extremely complicated theme can cause many logisitcs problems with your conference, such as miscommunications, misorders and other problems.
  

References (1)

• 
  Selecting a theme: Business Events Sydney
  

About the Author

Vicki Wright, writing and editing professionally since 1996, has extensive business management, marketing and media experience. Wright has a Bachelor of Science in socio-poltical communication from Missouri State University and became certified as a leadership facilitator from the Kansas Leadership Center in 2010.

Photo Credits

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  Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images