More than ever, event organisers are facing the pressure to provide real value to delegates. As cost-of-living continues to rise and with endless sources of information accessible at their fingertips, delegates expectations for in-person conferences have, quite rightly, never been higher.
The power of networking
When designing your next conference, it’s important to think outside the 9-5 program. Of course, content is king and headline keynote speakers are a proven way to get the attention of your audience; however, just as important are the opportunities for networking. In fact, research from The Arinex Group has shown that networking is the number one consideration by delegates for attendance at in-person conferences*.
Event preview
The upcoming 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work (OSH 2023) has worked hard to develop opportunities for networking – both planned and spontaneous – designing a creative social program that will leave a lasting impression for delegates. Here are some highlights for their upcoming conference next week;
1. Australia Night Spectacular Celebration Event
Attendees will enjoy an unforgettable night, in a complete take-over of Campbells Stores, a heritage-listed building within Sydney’s famous precinct, The Rocks. Cutting-edge technology will be used to virtually transport delegates across Australia in an epic journey, with the activation spread across each of the venue’s three levels. The evening will feature signature entertainment, the highest quality catering and will culminate in fireworks over Sydney Harbour, leaving a sparkling memory for all.
2. Meet the Aussie wildlife
Delegates will be able to cuddle a koala, meet a swamp wallaby or come face-to-face with a saltwater crocodile – all without needing to step foot outside ICC Sydney. In collaboration with Shoalhaven Zoo, seven Aussie animals will be brought to the conference venue for personal encounters, photos and to teach international visitors about the unique fauna here. These animal encounters will provide a natural meeting point and be an easy conversation starter between delegates – building memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.
3. Bike and Blend station
Yet another focal point for the conference will be various Bike and Blend station throughout the venue. Delegates are invited to make their own healthy pedal-powered smoothie for free. This activation will bring together attendees in a positive, team-building environment, which will get endorphins flowing and satisfy appetites.
4. Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours
Delegates will be able to choose one of five offsite tours of Sydney-based work hubs, to experience first-hand a range of innovative health and safety practices. Amazon and TestSafe Chemical Testing Laboratories are among the workplaces opening their doors in these exclusive tours for delegates. These offsite tours provide direct opportunities to expand networks and start conversations that will help shape the future for health and safety at work globally.
5. And if these aren’t enough, nearly all the program will be made available through the Arinex One platform to provide connection and engagement with attendees even if they can’t physically be present at the Congress. All these elements will be available in four different languages and streamed live to online guests and also made available for on demand viewing just hours after each session occurs.
Looking to impress and provide value to your attendees? Speak to our creative team today on how to build a program that inspires and delights.
*Statistics based on ICOMOS GA2023 Attendee Survey
