For several years, Conference Manager has helped the Danish Autistic Association (Autismeforeningen) host their annual SIKON conference, and in 2024, we supported them once again in planning an event for over 750 registered participants. Conference Manager provided with an overview and ensured that all the details—big and small—were taken care of, from name badges to hotel bookings and access to the digital programme via our event app.
Here are some tips and tricks from our experience at the SIKON conference to help you get the most out of Conference Manager. Whether you’re organising a large conference or other types of events like workshops, fairs, or symposiums, you might find some useful ideas here:
1. Encourage early sign-ups with an early-bird category
A great way to attract early sign-ups is to set up an early-bird category with a discounted price. This gives people an incentive to act quickly and helps you get an idea of who’s attending. Make sure to highlight the early-bird period and discount in your invitations and on your registration page, and adjust the price when the deadline is up.
2. Create a visually appealing programme with colour coding
At the SIKON conference, colour coding made it much easier for participants to navigate the programme. By giving each theme a unique colour, they created a clear overview that made it intuitive to find their way around. For example, use a specific colour for keynote presentations, along with descriptive text and images, to distinguish them from workshops, panel discussions, and interlude activities.
3. Offer accommodation options
When planning larger conferences, keeping track of hotel bookings can be tricky. Conference Manager makes this simple by integrating accommodation into the sign-up process, so everything is in one place. Add an extra step for those needing accommodation, and their booking details will automatically be included in the confirmation. This way, you’ll also have a clear list of all necessary information to send to the hotel.
4. Keep everyone updated with CM Events
The CM Events app is a smart way to provide participants with easy access to all the essential information on the go. Be sure to check the app before the event and add any practical details or changes through the Website Designer, so they show up in the app. This helps prevent confusion and keeps participants updated with the latest info as well as their registration details. Send a reminder before the event to encourage everyone to download the CM Events app from Google Play or the App Store, so they’re ready for your event.
5. Save time with onsite printing of name badges
SIKON 2024 also used CM Print, which is Conference Manager’s onsite printing solution for name badges. Participants just need to be scanned upon arrival, and the printer will print their badge on the spot. This is especially useful for larger events with multiple entrances, saving time at check-in and creating a professional first impression.
Get in touch with Customer Success if you’re interested in learning more about CM Print for your event.
With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of Conference Manager, whether you’re organising a conference, seminar, or something else entirely. We help you manage everything from registrations to event execution, so everything runs smoothly. Consider trying out early-bird categories, colour-coded programmes, and automatic onsite printing of badges—the little details can make a real difference for your participants. Maybe these will add that extra touch to your next event.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about getting the most out of Conference Manager, our Customer Success team is here to help you before, during, and after your event.
Best of luck with your next event!
