how do i officially open a conference?

Question

i'm to chair a function what do tell my audience

Answer 1

first honour the persons on the high table, honour special invitees and address "ladies & genlemen". Introduce he subject of the conference and throw up ideas related with hesubject.

Answer 2

The goal should be to capture your audience's attention from the get-go. Chances are the opening session is in the morning which means the audience hasn't quite awakened. Some might even be fighting jet lag.

So, I would postpone the ritual thank yous and intros and start describing the issues that will be covered and the questions that will be answered -- in a very provocative way. Speak loudly, with energy. You will have a very influential role in setting the tone for the entire conference.

Let's say the subject is corporate governance. I would say something like:

______________________________________________

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. This is our fifth annual conference and I think this one is going to be the best. We're not going to avoid controversial subjects. We're going to take on the subjects that will stimulate your thinking. Our speakers have opinions, You may like what they say or hate what they say. Whatever your opinion, our goal is to stimulate you.

We're going to wake you up with thought-provoking ideas. You won't need the caffeine. Here are some of the issues we're going to tackle:

-- Do CEO's make too much money?

-- Should the election of boards of directors be more democratic?

-- Should company officers be excluded from membership on the boards?

-- Do executive stock options require more scrutiny?

etc etc

We also going to have people on the agenda who have found ingenious ways to solve business problems we all face. They'll be sharing their secrets with us.

And the most important element of this conference is the people sitting in front of me. We'll need your questions, answers, comments, disagreements, boos and cheers.

_______________________________________________

If you have some thoughts you need to share with the audience, go ahead and deliver them as provocatively.

Save the specific thank yous for all the volunteers who helped run the meeting until the last session. Just mention that the meeting is a product of many people who worked hard to get the right people and the right subjects.

Before the meeting starts, I would have coffee and' in the vestibule ourside the meeting space. I'd keep the doors locked. I'd then turn on some familiar but wild rock and role or some march music for about 30 seconds and then open all the doors.

I would end the music, turn the lights out for 30 seconds. I would have someone other than yourself go out and tell the audience where the fire exits are and then introduce you.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I couldn't count the number of conferences and conventions I have had to chair... in the hundreds I would imagine.

Here are some tips:

1. Opening statement
a. Welcome
b. Who you are
c. Purpose of conference

2. Introduction of notables (and responses if needed)
a. VIP's
b. Conference speakers / etc
c. "Thank you" for sponsors donors etc

3. Scheduling notes
a. Reference a printed schedule?
b. Changes to room assignments
c. Time changes

4. Facilitate movement
a. Explain how groups will move and meet (if in other locations)
b. Explain how groups will gather in current room (if having breakout groups)

5. Gratitude statement
a. "Thanks for attending etc"

6. Introduce first speaker / dismiss for breakout groups etc.

NOTE: Script everything and print it in big bold type so you can easily read it from the podium.

Answer 4

greet everyone & thank them for attending.