Evolve Conference 2024

Conference Event Programme

Evolve Programme
Whether you are just starting out in your events career, or you’ve forgotten how long you’ve been doing it, Evolve is the conference for you.
The Evolve programme is the culmination of 18 months of research and study into both the long-term and day-to-day challenges of event professionals that work in associations.
These are:
Creating lasting positive relationships with peers in similar organisations that share the same daily challenges that you face.
Getting your voice heard by stakeholders in order to bring about positive change in your organisation
Ideas about how to evolve and develop education and events programmes in a world that doesn’t stand still.
The programme is split into Signature Sessions, those not-to-be-missed sessions for everyone, and more technical Breakouts.
We’ll also bring a lot of fun to the proceedings, after all, we learn best when we are enjoying ourselves!
Find out more details below:

Time	Session
9:00	The Evolve Morning Show - Networking made easy One of the hardest things to do can be to “network”. How do you start a discussion? How do you approach someone? Megan and Daniel will lead this session by helping to introduce you to others at the event as you arrive through small discussion groups that will help you start to get to know each other Speakers: Megan Garmers and Daniel Doyle, Streamline Social
10:00	The Genius Lounge For legal reasons it’s definitely not a bar! Running all day our resident geniuses will be on hand to offer you advice and guidance on your event-related challenges. Book an appointment in advance or drop in on the day. The experts: Christian Turek, Memcom: Confidential career guidance and CV review Jonathan Richards, Brightelm: Event tech and event logistics Daren Thomas, Brightelm: Sponsorship and exhibition sales Katy Reilly: Freelance event marketing manager
10:25	Signature session – the science behind event and experience design. Paula will explore getting to grips with the science behind good event and experience design in this presentation and how starting with this type of thinking will set you on a path to achieving the ROI that your association needs. Apparently it might involve a game or two…. Speakers: Paula Rowntree, Australian Psychological Society, Facilitator: Samme Allen, The Attendee Experience Company (atex)
11:15	Brainiac Breakouts Session 1 Breakout A: Exhibitions: Thinking beyond the square metre The traditional trade show is dead, so what can we do to make exhibitions work for all stakeholders, and to ensure the continuation of a valuable revenue stream? Attendees will hear exhibition specialists from exhibition venue ExCeL and exhibition design experts Ignition DG unpack the ins and outs of transforming an exhibition from a dull sales-focussed melee to an engaging space which encourages creativity, helps build relationships and delivers return. Speakers: Facilitator: Tracy Bury (Facilitator); Sam Rowe, Ignition DG; Laura Furness, ExCeL Breakout B: Sponsorship – Making the big bucks, how to get more sponsors to pay more Are you worried about dwindling sponsor revenues and challenging sponsor relationships? Rob Eveleigh, Managing Director of Brightelm, will talk you through creating a sales strategy that will help you win more sponsors at higher rates. Bring your laptops and your strategies for this quick delve into how to make more money for your organisation. Speaker: Rob Eveleigh, Brightelm Breakout C: Increased efficiencies and a commercial approach, what can in-house event teams learn from agencies. Join this discussion session on what agencies get right (and sometimes wrong!) and what in house teams can learn from them. Learn the tricks of the trade, tools used, and become more efficient in the no holds barred, warts and all session, the speakers of which have worked both sides of the pitch deck. Speakers: Therese Dolan, Independent PCO and Strategist (Facilitator); Garth Halliday, RenewableUK; Eija Hakkinen, STEP.
12:10	Signature Session – How do I create a greater and more diverse content-focussed association event In this carousel of learning, you will have access to the most innovative speakers and hear case studies across DEI, sustainability, legacy, space and sponsorship. Starting with innovation and provocation, this session will give you the time to create solutions and road test ideas with your peers. Speakers: Huthaifa AbdulQader, International Association of Dental Students; Rory Archibald, New Intent; Lauralee Whyte, Spectrum Speakers & Entertainers, Nika Kurent, Ciarb.
13:00	Lunch We’ve prepared portable lunches so you can take a guided walk outside, go and sit by the river, or relax in the venue. Take the time to catch up with your new friends, your colleagues, and compare your findings so far!
14:00	Brainiac Breakouts Session 2 Breakout D: AI, Where is it leading us? Explore how AI shapes the future of events, from personalized experiences to data-driven insights, in this enlightening talk. (This blurb was written by ChatGPT). Our speakers will bring together conversations around fears, practical current applications and the future of AI within the context of event. Star Trek it is not, but potential it has. Speakers: Adam Baggs, Soaring Worldwide (Facilitator); Frits Bussemaker; Claus Raasted, The College of Extraordinary Experiences. Breakout E: Meet the Expert A slightly different format, our speakers from earlier in the day will be available to meet one-on-one or in small groups to discuss their specialist topics. Have a walk around and ask your burning questions. Breakout F: Event Therapy – Tell us your event woes Ever feel overwhelmed as an events professional? Battling that never ending to do list? Looking for recommendations of the best suppliers (or how to avoid the worst)? Join us and vent to your peers about issues you have faced in your career or in your day to day, and how to deal with them. Facilitated discussion in small groups on your burning topics. Facilitator: Tracy Bury, Supported by: Winnie Dehaney, SPE; Sarah Hunter, Jisc
14:55	Signature Session – How to influence and bring about change at the top One of the most difficult challenges for event professionals is having our voices heard higher up. Events teams are finally coming into their own, leading event strategy, but being heard at the top can be a challenge. Whether it’s influencing board decisions, guiding committees to evolve, or persuading the FD to increase the budget, this workshop focused on communications and improvisations will leave you with new expertise to make the change you want in your organization. Join Paul Walsh and Pip Hall, Business Analyst of the Year 2023, as they share tips and best practice on how to grow your influence, engage with stakeholders and bring about meaningful change. Speakers: Paul Walsh, European Business Aviation Association; Pip Hall, Telent.
16:05	Signature Session - Claus Raasted: A Blend of Inspiration and Innovation Ending the education on a high, enter Claus Raasted, co-founder of the College of Extraordinary Experiences. One of the most exciting and engaging speakers we have ever seen Claus will apply practice to the theory of experience design. Cementing your learnings, connections, innovations and maybe a sprinkle of magic. Speaker: Claus Raasted, College of Extraordinary Experiences
17:00	The After Party Whilst Claus will start the party we’ll continue it as we lead you to the Munich Cricket Club, London’s Best Oktoberfest Experience for a few drinks, great food and most importantly a fantastic atmosphere. https://munichcricketclub.co.uk/

LEARNING

A combination of talks and panel discussions designed to inform and educate on contemporary topics and challenges.

TRAINING

Training sessions led by experts in their field dedicated to improving your skills.

DISCUSSION

Theme-led and “off-the-cuff” facilitated discussion groups on topics which we all face every day. Submit your discussion ideas beforehand, or even bring them with you on the day.

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