Creating an engaging, personalised experience for members at association conferences can be a daunting task. While it’s easy to think attendees expect grand gestures, what truly matters is fostering connection, engagement, and a sense of belonging. The key to achieving this lies in leveraging industry expertise and technological tools to deliver a streamlined yet tailored experience that your members won’t forget.
At Nectar CC, we recognise that each member is unique, with varying responses, thoughts, and needs. You already have valuable information at your fingertips to help you engage effectively.
Here are our top 4 tips for personalising your next member conference experience.
Personalising Member Journeys for Enhanced Event Experiences
Utilising your existing member data,explore ways to personalise the journey and messaging for different member segments, creating a unique and thoughtful experience from the very first interaction.
Today, personalisation doesn’t need to be arduous. Employ marketing and event automation tools to design a purposeful and intentional member journey with ease (here are our favourites).
It’s about the small touches, effectively using your data and automating processes to make attendees feel valued as individuals rather than just part of a group. Whether it’s as simple as adding their name to an email or crafting a fully personalised experience, these efforts enhance their overall experience and the value they perceive in their membership.
Streamlining Registration for Association Conferences
Ensure your members start their conference experience seamlessly with a smooth and efficient registration process. Here’s how:
- Utilise technology to offer a faultless registration experience. Provide multiple attendance options, such as VIP or Early Bird, to cater to different preferences and budgets.
- Enhance the registration journey by incorporating interactive tools, engaging graphics, and pre-filled details. Allow members to personalize their conference agenda by signing up for workshops, 1:1 sessions, and demonstrations, which can be shared on their social networks to build excitement.
- Consider implementing digitised badges and self-serve tablets for on-site registration, making the check-in process hassle-free. Remember, the conference experience begins well before the event day, encompassing all pre-event interactions and extending to post-event communications. Make every touchpoint count.
Ignite engagement for Association Conferences
Rather than simply compiling an event schedule, look to generate active participation by sparking conversations that build connections. Encourage members to be a part of the event story by allowing them to guide discussions, activities, or the flow of the event – generating feelings of connectedness, and the belief that their voices matter within the Association.
Utilise event software to increase connection by integrating a range of engagement tools such as polling, Q&A’s, live chat, interactive workshops, competitions, swag bags, etc to create unique moments within the event. Don’t forget to also make them easy to share using an event app or specialised event hashtag.
Focus on substance by assembling a line-up of speakers/events that are inspiring, stimulating, authentic to your Associations goals, and that will leave a lasting impression on your members. This will lead to greater member satisfaction and ultimately, a higher engagement rate.
Encourage networking
Association members love to connect, so it’s important to create intentional and purposeful occasions for members to discuss, debate and consider what they’ve listened to – a place where like-minded members can share their knowledge and experiences.
Use your existing member intel to facilitate introductions and stimulate conversations at roundtables, breakout rooms and group sessions – encouraging collaboration, connection, and imprinting a lasting impression. If you’re using an event app (which we love!) give attendees the power to engage with additional content, take notes, share comments, and make the experience more personal.
Before you get stuck into organising your next Association Event, make sure you check out our free e-book with burnout-busting solutions every Association Event Manager needs.
As a Professional Conference Organiser and Digital Conference Organiser, we specialise in facilitating member engagement at in-person and online conferences and seminars for professional Associations and industry bodies.
So, if you’re keen to dial in the experts, we would love to chat! You can get in touch with the team here. and see how we can partner with you on your next Association event.