“Great minds think alike” and where they do, the third year running of the WIF-KL (World Innovation Forum- Kuala Lumpur) symposium is all poised to achieve one of the largest think tank events in Malaysia and South East Asia this November. Hailed as the largest gathering of brilliant, innovative, mover and shaker participants from 50 countries across the world, it will be an event not to be missed by leaders and the public alike.
The 5-day event held collectively at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia would see a series of three core events and nine mini events. This will be one of the most prestigious event management projects to cap off the year 2012. Held from 3rd November till the 7th November, the event is hosted by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in tandem with the Malaysian Innovation Foundation and an event Malaysia company.
Event planners that are looking to plan large-scale events in the future will have a lot to learn from the management structure of this forum, which areactually two events running side-by-side. The WIF-KL and the WIE (World Innovation Exhibition) expect a turnout of 1,500 delegates from the international arena plus an estimated 10,000 visitors for the duration of the 5-day event.
What can you as an event planner learn from this event, which is by no means a small setup and quick planning ideas? Consider the following, and maybe contribute some ideas of your own on how an event of this magnitude can be used as a launching pad for other types of similar events.
Planning the primary topics
Consideration and emphasis on an event’s main topics are the core structure to a successful event. How many of you have actually felt that some of the topics in your events could have been better and as a result been more successful? Your event planning should start from the concept and open the discussion to pitch in good topics but bearing in mind what the audience would be interested to know not just, what you want them to know.
Eye-balling your target audience
The WIF-KL Forum was built around the concept of a large-scale think-tank where like-minded people could meet, discuss, and collaborate on innovative ideas, inventions, and strategies. The event was held in conjunction with the WIE event, which synergized with the main agenda. By combining the two events, they increased the audience and participant attendance, creating a very successful event held for its third year running. Likewise, event organizers should plan and try to find out if there are similar or complimenting events held. Collaboration in this case would be a good idea to optimize your participant and audience lists.
We can all learn from big and successful events. They may not necessarily be our competitors but rather as an example to follow. If you are a smaller event outfit, think of collaborating rather than competing. Forums in event management blogs or sites are a good source of ideas where you can interactively seek advice or even team up in a collaboration.
