from Hacker News

What we learned organizing conferences. A look inside Lambda World

by jorgegalindo on 5/15/24, 9:17 PM with 1 comments

  • by jorgegalindo on 5/15/24, 9:17 PM

    Organizing a tech conference is challenging but rewarding.

    The Lambda World team shared insights from their experience organizing the annual Functional Programming conference in Cádiz.

    Key Takeaways:

    Planning Essentials:

    Define your target audience and tailor the event to their needs. Build a diverse, cohesive team with a shared vision. Establish a strong ideology and incorporate local culture.

    Budgeting Basics:

    Calculate expenses (food, venue, speaker costs, A/V, design). Set ticket prices considering sponsorships and attendee numbers.

    Sponsor Management:

    Understand company budget cycles and approach sponsors early. Research similar conferences for potential sponsors. Design appealing sponsor perks and maintain post-event communication.

    Speaker Coordination:

    Conduct background checks to ensure alignment with your conference’s values. Include clear deadlines in communications and ensure timely responses. Cover speaker expenses and offer travel booking options.

    Attendee Engagement:

    Foster open communication via emails, newsletters, and chat platforms. Use tools like Eventbrite, MailChimp, and Typeform for ticketing and feedback.

    General Advice:

    Delegate tasks effectively and prepare for last-minute issues. Stay humble, be nice, and handle conflicts with care. Pay attention to details to give the event a unique identity. Following these strategies, the Lambda World team successfully organized a meaningful and enjoyable conference supporting the local economy and community.