Post 5 of 15

The website for ECIS Technology Conference 2015 is by no means perfect, but it served its purpose well and can be found at www.bis-school.com/ecis-tech While planning for the website, we identified four main stages it needed to cater for:

  • Before registrations open
  • While registrations are open
  • During the conference
  • After the conference

Each of those stages require a different approach and focus. The information presented for each stage is also likely to be different. For example, it is impossible to have a programme in place if the call for presentations has not yet been sent.

Before registrations open

The main goals that we identified for this stage are:

  • ‘Save the date’ message – when will the event take place, and in which location
  • Communicate the conference theme
  • List prices
  • Offer an initial choice of accommodation
  • Call toaction – Call for presentations (click here for a sample form)
  • Call to action – Be notified when registrations open
  • List all sponsorship opportunities (click here for a sample table of sponsorship opportunities)

While registrations are open

The main goals that we identified for this stage are:

  • Call to action – Register button prominently placed
  • Call to action – Sponsor and exhibitor registrations
  • Highlight and introduce special guest speakers
  • List accommodation with special discounts
  • Transportation
  • Preliminary schedule

During the conference

The main goals that we identified for this stage are:

  • Up to date schedule (should now be landing page)
  • Social network mashup (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
  • Venue maps

After the conference

The main goals that we identified for this stage are:

  • Call to action – Conference feedback form (click download for a sample form)
  • Conference photos
  • Links to presentation materials & resources
  • Links to videos

While these lists might not cover everything needed for a very large scale event, they have proven sufficient for the ECIS Technology Conference 2015 at BIS.

The next post will focus on the scheduling & programming aspect of organising a conference.