Conference Planners: Go Niche!

There was a time post-COVID when people were ready to get together - no matter the reason. Conferences were back - and saved up travel budgets were ready to be spent.

Yet the lesson of being more mindful of whose company you keep seem to be seeping into even corporate events these days. Attendees no longer want to waste their time at shows with hoards of faceless people.

Recently, I had the privilege of being part of the organizing team for CannaDataCon, a hyper focused event that explores how to improve data with the aim of helping cannabis companies succeed. The event, in its second year, not only doubled its attendance online and in-person but also left a lasting impact on participants, many of whom remarked that the smaller size and scale of the show was a welcomed change of pace.

With 150 participants, we were able to host the show at a location that appealed to all at one of the iconic Art Deco hotels right on South Beach.

The success of CannaDataCon is emblematic of the growing preference for events that center around a specific topic. Traditionally, corporate events covered a broad spectrum of topics, attempting to cater to a wide audience. However, as the business world becomes more specialized and industries continue to evolve, individuals are seeking events that delve deeper into their specific areas of interest.

Create smaller, focus-specific corporate events offers a range of benefits that cater to the unique needs and preferences of participants.

1. Intimate Networking Opportunities:

   • Smaller conferences provide a more intimate setting, fostering meaningful connections among attendees.

   • Participants have increased chances to interact with speakers, industry experts, and peers, leading to valuable networking opportunities.

2. Deeper Learning Experience:

   • Focused conferences typically delve deep into specific topics, allowing attendees to gain comprehensive insights and expertise in their field of interest.

   • With a narrow focus, participants can engage in detailed discussions, explore case studies, and participate in hands-on workshops, enhancing their understanding of the subject matter.

3. Better Venues

   • Niche conferences are usually more manageable in terms of venue size and schedule, making it easier for attendees to navigate and attend sessions without feeling overwhelmed.

   • There's less chance of missing out on valuable content due to scheduling conflicts or competing sessions.

4. Opportunities for Collaboration:

   • The close-knit environment of a small conference encourages collaboration among attendees.

   • Professionals can identify potential collaborators, business partners, or mentors within their specific industry, leading to mutually beneficial relationships.

5. Cost-Effective Participation:

   • Smaller conferences may be more budget-friendly for both attendees and hosts.

   • Reduced costs for participation and sponsorship make it accessible for individuals and businesses to engage with the event without straining their financial resources.

6. Enhanced Visibility:

   • For sponsors and exhibitors, smaller conferences offer a chance for increased visibility and exposure among a highly targeted audience.

   • Brands can make a more significant impact and build stronger connections with potential clients or customers in a focused setting.

7. Tailored Experiences:

   • Organizers of smaller conferences can often tailor the event experience to meet the specific needs and preferences of the attendees.

   • From personalized agendas to custom networking opportunities, participants can enjoy a more tailored and enjoyable conference experience.

After the success of this year's CannaDataCon, there may be temptation to amplify the scale in the following year. However, it's crucial to recognize that the essence of this event lies in its intimate setting, specialized focus, and the quality of connections forged. Growing the event may risk diluting these unique qualities that made it special this year. In a world where bigger isn't always better, CannaDataCon stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of smaller, focus-specific corporate events.

Looking to host a corporate event? Let’s talk.