During last 4 months we were actively engaged in hosting two major events – Startup Weekend Vilnius and World Lithuanian Economic Forum. Both of these events were planned out two months forth and delivered more or less throughout them. So what can we, as organizers, say of the two events? Well, the difference is paramount. After SW there were six pages of notes of what could have done better, or wasn’t there at all, we had round up meeting during which some tones were not the happiest. Well, after last event the mood is way better, there are no major notes, and about the only valid criticism that sticks – lack of plans B – so plans A were ok. Let’s note here that we had a very capable team during SW that individually in more than one occasions stretched out for the team – no offense intended.
So what’s good about WLEF? No major flaws, clear script, smooth execution. We had a large audience with great number of VIPs in it – which took subtle care to handle all their inquiries while ensuring timely delivery of all sorts of small pieces. We had spaces that allowed for networking, conference, backstage meetings and even dinner. We had a very professional sound, and less sophisticated video equipment that took three persons in total to operate smoothly so that the content was fluent and harmonic. But we did it. In all fairness it must be noted that we had no online presence and virtually no interaction whatsoever. A clear path for improvement there.
We hope this will end up as a trend of quality and the next major event we do is going to be of the same level or above. We had a 10-months-long small event’s chain last year that allowed us to perfect some small details of event hosting, and now we’re scaling it up. To share a few ideas what we’d like to have in the next big thing we do is greater engagement with audience, be it Twitter channels or Facebook wall. Ideally we can come up with some sort of reduced forum system that would run smoothly on cells, then have wireless stations set up, and the chat linked with presentation material allowing everyone to get a better focus and enabling to deliver feedback / ask questions at will.
To give a small insight on what’s coming, well – it’s summer time. So we are likely to have one or two small events here in Vilnius themed with some international events. There is an idea of hosting training towards the end of August. Maybe some small events after that. Autumn is likely to see some partnership projects: we’ve took a part in JCIs CYEA, maybe more partnerships will come out of that way, or a totally new partner will step up. Ideally there will be one more large event before end of the year, during which we’ll be able to apply much of what we learned so far. Keep an eye on us if you’re interested.