Plan your event
Here’s some feedback and top tips on how to make your Gathering event a success, based on what last year’s delegates told us they enjoyed.
When planning your event
- Ensure your event content and description on the website matches what you plan to deliver on the day. If you make any last minute changes to your event, such as adding a newly confirmed speaker after 8 November 2024, please notify our Events team straight away so that we can keep our programme accurate and up to date.
- Stories and case studies from a diverse range of people, including those with lived experience, are very popular with delegates. Think about how you can you use storytelling to connect with your audience.
- Give plenty of time for Q&A and discussions with your audience members.
Top tip
Check the weekly delegate list sent to you from our events team to get a better understanding of who's coming to your event. This will help you pitch the right sort of content for your audience!
In the run up to your event
- We want everyone to experience and enjoy the Gathering so, along with our friendly Events team, we must all do our best to accommodate people’s requirements. If any of your audience have accessibility requirements or need additional support, such as viewing presentations in advance, make sure to contact them before your event to discuss their request in more detail.
Top tip
Engage with your audience prior to your event. Send everyone on your delegate list a message to say you're looking forward to welcoming them, update them with any new speakers in the coming weeks, and remember to get in touch a day or so before saying you can’t wait to see them there!
At your event
- Make sure your slides and presentation materials are clear, use minimum text, avoid using jargon and flashing images. If using video, add some captions so it's accessible.
- We know speaking to large audiences can be daunting. To ensure that everyone in the audience can make the most of your event, speak clearly into the microphones and speak at a nice and steady, slow pace. This is particularly important for those with hearing loss. Encourage your audience members to use the microphones when asking questions so their questions and comments can be clearly heard.
- Avoid using terms and language that may upset or offend people.
- Try to avoid sales pitches to keep your captive audience engaged.
Top tip
The Gathering welcomes hundreds of new attendees every year - make them feel welcome. Use the first couple of minutes of your event to get your audience to turn to the person next to them, say hello and spend a minute or two finding out who they are, what organisation they are from and why they are here.
After your event
- Send a thank you message to everyone who attended, and share any resources, links, reports and slides so that they can soak up everything they heard and learnt from their time with you.
What our Gathering delegates told us...
Looking for some inspiration on how to frame your event or what elements to include? Here are the sorts of things Gathering delegates have enjoyed in the past!
"The speaker was very engaging and delivered both ideas and practical suggestions that were useable right away. Great at engaging the audience."
"The case studies were really inspiring and thought provoking."
"The young people who organised this session were brilliant and created a great interactive session - so many ideas!"
"I really enjoyed the debate. The speakers were varied and knowledgeable and best of all - not afraid to challenge each other."
"I enjoyed the mix of presentation with time to talk and share questions, issues or examples."
"I really enjoyed the speaker who gave a wonderful introductory talk. I equally enjoyed the opportunity to chat to others around the table and hear their viewpoints."
"The tips and tools suggested in the presentation were really helpful and I've taken a lot away that I can quickly take forward in my workplace."
Get in touch
Got a question about planning your event for the Gathering? Contact our team who will be happy to help.
