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 Scott McKain
There are two secrets to a great conference that I've seen in my many years of speaking and attending programs around the world.
First: the tone set by the opening session. Your attendees will set their attitude based upon the feelings you create during their initial impression of the conference. If it's technical and boring, that's what they'll expect the rest of the way. If it's engaging and thought-provoking, they'll look forward to what is yet in store.
Second: the follow up after the conference makes or breaks the experience. The learning and engagement must not end with the closing session. Therefore, find speakers who will continue to deliver their message even after the meeting concludes -- and commit your organization to expanding the flow of education and information until it is time to have another conference and do it all over again!
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 Dan Coughlin
A great conference is determined by what happens over the next 100 days immediately following the conference.
- Did the attendees meet people at the conference that led to on-going relationships that generated meaningful connections and collaborative efforts that improved results for their organizations over the next 100 days?
- Did the attendees return to their day jobs with a renewed sense of purpose that kept them genuinely energized over the next 100 days?
- Did the attendees learn ideas at the conference from the presenters that they used over the next 100 days to improve results in a sustainable way?
These are the three main reasons why on-site conferences create such tremendous value for attendees. If you get three yeses, then you had a very, very good conference, and if you don't get three yeses, then you have some serious work to do before the next conference.
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 Cam Marston
A great joke about conferences is that they're a series of wonderful conversations repeatedly interrupted by keynote speakers and break-out sessions.
Like so many good jokes, there's an element of truth. The secrets of a great conference is to get the conferees talking about new ideas, new paradigms, even some that make them slightly uncomfortable. To kick them out of their box a bit and, at the same time, teach them how to get better at what they do.
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 Ross Shafer
The hotel property needs to reflect the "tone & purpose" of the meeting...as well as the organization. If you are a young, high tech company hold your event at a W Hotel or a Hard Rock; not a staid and formal resort. Expect high end hotel staff service and flawless quality from the food - the wi-fi - the sound system - and all other meeting related mechanics.
Every single sloppy mis-cue will be noticed by the attendees - and can taint the entire vibe of the conference.
Every paid (and unpaid) speaker and industry panelist should be energetic, thought-provoking, and memorable. People long remember how they felt after attending your event. A valuable, worthwhile experience will persuade their future attendance.
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Steve Gilliland
The secret to a successful conference is value. People don't want to attend something that is mediocre. With time being precious, people's expectations are higher than ever. From the agenda you create, to the speakers you hire, when people find value they will pay for it and the sponsors will come.
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