Should stakeholder events and conferences from part of your arsenal

Whilst the word ‘conference’ conjures up images of thousands of delegates at large venues, with a program running over many days, (as is the case for Women Deliver), there are so many formats stakeholder events can take, which may better suit your organisation’s objectives,

Below we have included five good reasons to host a stakeholder event, and suggested ways you can execute.

Moments to connect are always powerful

Whether it’s a virtual webinar, a small event connecting with your local Chamber of Commerce after hours initiative, or professional development offerings incorporating a panel discussion; providing your stakeholders with an opportunity to connect creates impact for your organisation, and can secure your place as a sector leader, creating other opportunities and alliances.

Attracts new stakeholders to your network

With the technology of Eventbrite, and social media – you can widen your attendee net, enhancing and increasing your network to those working in other portfolios which align with your sector.  You may have programs and initiatives arising which cross over disciplines, and where professionals in other fields are needed.  

Hosting an event which markets to those people can help to build your network prior to commencing a research stage for your upcoming initiative.  This can be true of both virtual and in person events, with the help of Eventbrite, you can build your database of email contacts, ensuring new people stay informed of your work and progress.

Strengthens relationships with key partners through opportunities

Whether you have donors, or program partners and key stakeholders, events whereby you involve others as panelists, or co-hosts is a great way to strengthen your connections, and provide moments for awareness raising.  The great news is, you can develop the event in collaboration, ensuring your stakeholder feels part of its creation, and build your knowledge of their work and preferences, as well as having conversations about your organisation objectives, fostering mutual understanding. 

Marketing the event raises awareness of your organisation

When we consider hosting a successful event, whether virtual or in person, attracting healthy attendance numbers, you will need to market for at least 4-6 weeks in advance.  This marketing, whilst promoting the event is also raising awareness of your organisation and its work.  

If you have a newsworthy topic, this lead up campaign can include media outreach and coverage.  Journalists will be the most interested in profiling speakers, especially if they have specialised expertise and can talk to an issue. This could be part of a Parliament House based event if you would like the event to meet your advocacy objectives, and may lead to increased interaction with Ministers and MPs.

There is potential to make it an annual occasion

If we consider some of the peak bodies across the nation, such as Suicide Prevention Australia or LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, they have built conference brands over a number of years, and continue to achieve healthy registration numbers.  

When developing and executing stakeholder events, there is potential to deliver these annually, building on their contents as your organisation evolves.  This also ensures that as you attract new partners and networks, you will have additional promotional options available, which enhances your offering, especially when attempting to entice donors and sponsorship. Examples of annual offerings including webinar series, conferences, summits and dialogues. 

Fifty Acres has been the publicity partner for this year’s Women Deliver conference hosted in Melbourne (Narrm) during April.  Our team of experts can support your team with small, medium and large stakeholder events.