Conference Planning
Even with fantastic speakers, sponsors, and attendees lining up around the corner, Ponzi and I still face the challenges of conference production and direction head-on. Here’s the thing: the two of us are doing the work of ten people, on top of our other responsibilities for Lockergnome, The Chris Pirillo Show, etc. We both have to handle and/or manage Event Planning, Conference Coordinating, Press Queries, Registration Services, Attendee Administration, Speaker Selection, General Hosting, Web Site Updates, Risk Assessment, Special Equipment Needs, Facility Research, Program Management, Project Management, Print Materials and Quality Assurance, Schedule Arrangements, Budget Calibration and Financial Responsibilities, On-site Services, Food and Beverage Selection, Party Locations and Requirements, Online and Offline PR, Ticket Discrepancies, etc. – between two of us!
We’re not a conference coordination company – we’re just two people who love the tech world. So, why not offload a good chunk of these tasks to another organization (or others)? Because we don’t want to risk damaging the success of Gnomedex – that, and “everybody” in the conference industry is out to screw you. If we seem to be a little punchy in the weeks leading up to the conference, it’s only because we’re striving to make it an awesome event for every single Gnomedexer. We appreciate your ongoing support and faith, as always. Our sixth year is shaping up to be the best one yet! Barring any unscheduled fire alarms… :)
Using GoToAssist is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party.









5 Comments
Matt
June 13th, 2006
at 4:51pm
You should totally do the fire alarm again this year. ;-) It got a whole new set of conversations going that probably would not have happened had people been allowed to stay where they were.
Michael Buckbee
June 13th, 2006
at 5:23pm
As I recall, there was only one fire alarm last year and the conference was still great. I’m stoked for Gnomedex 6.
Andru Edwards
June 13th, 2006
at 5:28pm
Hey – you can’t say that you weren’t offerred help ;)
Matt Massey
June 14th, 2006
at 11:53am
Chris,
I read your blog almost everyday, but this is the first time I’ve posted a comment. I do a lot of work for conference companies and do a lot of work for the “world largest tradeshow organization”.
What about just adding another person or 2 to get the conference planned? What, if any, of the remaining “tasks” would yo be willing to unload on someone else? Send me an email. if I can be of any service, please let me know.
thanks,
Matt Massey
tom
June 19th, 2006
at 11:58pm
i put gnomedex on my calendar. let me know if ur putting on anything else down the road so i can add it to my list of upcoming tech events.