Reach your business event goal faster with a convention festival

Is the convention festival an event trend?

A con-gres-ti-val. Right. A combination of conference and festival. A festival-style conference, actually. The first convention festival was already organized in 2014, but only now is it realized in large numbers that this event trend is “here to stay”. At effectgroep*, we notice that the industry always responds very enthusiastically to this type of event. For example, we developed the concept for CRM Partners and produced the Cupid Festival.

From the business market, there is a lot of demand for event concepts that, in addition to content, are also fun to visit. Events that offer a program where visitors can make their own choices and find their way — on the spot. Of course, this has come over from the public sector. Think of De Parade and a diversity of festivals.

Get to know the business festival

So what exactly is such a convention festival? What do you recognize it by and what makes it such a cool concept? Let's just mention it briefly: the convention festival is a substantive conference in a festival outfit. A conference in a creative setting. The content still remains important, but the event has been given a different look. It's more diverse and informal. Distinctive, in fact.

Innovative, informal setting + choice + creativity = conference festival

What differs from the traditional conference is the way in which information is presented. At a “normal conference”, the visitor gets a flood of information. Mostly in the form of endless plenary sessions. This way, they will never be able to absorb all this information. This is different at a convention festival. There are workshops, presentations and stands, but not in a dumb room. Preferably in a cool, innovative location. Think of a raw, industrial location, a monumental fort or your company's parking garage.

The convention festival is also a great way to decorate creatively. Both when it comes to decoration and catering. With decoration, you can immediately create the desired atmosphere or theme. Let baristas make the tastiest coffee, for example. And of course, just like at a festival, food trucks should not be missing. Since healthy is hip, green and healthy (er) choices are often made for the convention festival today. For example, the bitterballs regularly make way for vegetable chips and smoothies.

At a convention festival, visitors have free choice in the program. Wander around and choose program components for yourself? In fact, gladly! For example, the convention festival meets people's need (from public events) for a festival experience. And as we all know, experience is one of the biggest success factors of an event. Because visitors to a convention festival experience the conference in a different way, curiosity is stimulated and people remember more. When you experience something yourself, you get more meaning out of it.

Freedom is key

Do you still want to hold plenary sessions? Then don't deprive guests of their freedom, but make it clear where and when the plenary sessions take place. Of course, it is also important that you communicate what they will learn from this or why they should not miss these sessions.

Connection

The atmosphere at a business festival is looser and more informal. This makes it more and easier to connect. Networking remains one of the main reasons why people attend an event. At a convention festival, the atmosphere is more accessible. This promotes the connection. Visitors to this type of event feel more relaxed and can therefore also absorb information better. They're even more likely to engage in conversations. And not just during the closing drinks. Therefore, make sure there is a meeting place (for example a lounge, coffee corner or bar) where guests can come together in an informal atmosphere, exchange experiences and inspire each other.

Today's convention festival

Is the corporate festival the event of the future? From now and into the future! Companies have already picked up the concept of conference festival many times. It is time for the market for scientific and government conferences — to name just one example — to follow.

Why you should organize a conference festival (or have it organized)

In conclusion: during a business festival, gaining knowledge, (being) inspired and networking come together. There is more room for creativity and the experience becomes even more central. You can get your message across in a fun way and visitors are automatically the focus. After all, you let them put together their own program. It is entirely up to them how they want to spend and experience the day. In short, a convention festival offers more added value for visitors than a regular conference. And that only ensures that you achieve your goals faster!

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