The power of a good program for an event

A good program for an event is the backbone for success. It defines not only the content, but also how that content is presented and experienced. A thoughtful program increases participant engagement, effectively conveys the message and provides an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we explore the critical elements that make up the power of a good program.

Form and content go hand in hand with your program

A strong connection between the form and content of an event program is essential. We believe it is important to find the right balance so that the message not only gets across, but also has impact.

Keynotes and presentations

Traditional keynotes are perfect for sharing detailed information, such as data, statistics and stories. Especially when you need to convey a clear and structured message. Make sure these presentations are visually supported and look beyond standard PowerPoint slides. Effective visuals reinforce the message and help make complex information accessible.

Interactive sessions

When the topic calls for discussion or when sharing opinions is key, interactive formats such as panel discussions, workshops and question-and-answer sessions are ideal. These types of sessions not only promote engagement, they also create space for deeper conversations and networking among participants. It is important to engage participants and allow their voices to be heard so that they can actively connect with the content of the event as well as each other.

Who are your participants?

A good program for an event takes into account the target audience. Logical right? So we see it as one of our most important tasks to understand who is in the room and what their expectations are. A personalized program makes participants feel heard and valued. So, when putting together the program, we think carefully about, for example, the knowledge level of the participants. Are they experts in their field, or are they new to the subject matter? This affects not only the content, but also the presentation format. For example, younger generations have a strong preference for active participation rather than passive listening. Make sure the program allows them to contribute to the discussion and share their thoughts. After all, it’s all about share and not just to (far)fetch.

Variety and dynamism in a program for an event

The modern visitor appreciates variety, which is why offering a program with different forms is exactly what you should do. It keeps the energy up and makes the experience more engaging. At Dutch Standard, we pay attention to these things:

Choice

We recommend that you give participants the freedom to put together their own program so that they can choose what best suits their interests and preferences. You can do this by organizing parallel sessions, which can range from formal lectures to interactive workshops. By offering a mix, you ensure that everyone finds something that appeals to them. And of course, in this you can send, by giving the main keynote plenary, for example, so that the CEO’s speech or the important internal speaker can be heard by everyone. Always keep asking yourself the question, “Does the message connect with the people in the room?

Interaction and participation

It is also nice for many audience members to be able to influence. This can be done prior to the event, but also during. For example, by asking questions to the speakers or by being able to participate in answering propositions. And also by being able to vote on the topics covered. How cool is it when the audience in the room can influence the course of a presentation; talk about participation!

Dynamic presentations

Alternating presentation formats helps hold attention. Consider combining traditional lectures with more dynamic formats, such as live polls or breakout sessions. This makes the content more accessible and fun, which increases engagement. With the right dynamic, everyone stays sharp, extra important when the information being shared is very substantive, such as at a conference or symposium.

The value of a speakers bureau

As with our other partners in catering (deeplink to article) and engineering (deeplink to article), we at Dutch Standard work closely with the best speaker agencies. Because professional speakers, of course only when they match the message you have as an organizer, can increase the quality of your meeting. The reasons we love working with agencies are simple:

1) It’s a serious business of matchmaking!

2) They often have a large and qualitative selection (subject matter, male/female, young/old, serious/humor, science, sports, business, technology, cabaret, and so on).

3) They can contribute ideas about the form, tone and content of the program.

4) They always help you find a suitable speaker, even if it is not in their own portfolio.

In short: you can increase the quality and impact of an event with the right match from a good stable of speakers. Not only matching the message, but also the knowledge level of the participants. As with everything, good preparation ensures that the result is optimal! Empathize with the target audience, as well as the topic and needs of the audience. Then when you combine everything you can say: yes, I made an informed choice for speaker X or Y.

With the above tips, you have all the components for a strong program in place and can get to work designing an unforgettable event.

Program for your event as a content machine

A powerful program informs, inspires and activates participants. You don’t just offer that value during the event; you can do it after. Think of your event as a content machine! For example, record key sessions from the program and share them as podcasts or videos after the event. This helps increase engagement and allows attendees to retain the value of the event longer. Even after two months, you can still share exclusive content in the form of a white paper or speaker X or Y’s ten golden tips for learning & entertainment. In any case, make sure you have thought about how to distribute it. That way, the event becomes more than just a moment. It can be the start of a journey that you enter into with the participants.