Also known as Plenary Sessions, Opening General Sessions typically involve larger and more comprehensive corporate conventions, meetings and gatherings. They may last anywhere from a couple hours to several days, revolving around an itinerary of keynote speakers, presentations, entertainment, and various other activities. Because they are so large, however, many people struggle to successfully plan Opening General Sessions. With the right approach, however, you can plan a memorable Opening General Session that covers all your desired topics and activities.
Define Your Goal/Objective
The first step in planning an Opening General Session – or any major corporate event – is to define your goals and/or objectives. Ask yourself, “What do I hope to accomplish by hosting this event?” Some companies host them to motivate their employees, while others do it to introduce new products, services or training techniques. Once you’ve identified the goals/objectives for your Opening General Session, you can start putting the pieces together to achieve them.
Choosing a Venue For Your Opening General Session Venue
Since each and every event is different, there’s no magic formula for choosing an Opening General Session venue. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind when scouting prospective venues, such as the following:
- Location in relation to the attendees.
- Size (you obviously want a venue that’s large enough to accommodate all of the attendees).
- Does it offer free audio equipment?
- Local catering services.
- Price.
- Availability.
- Transportation services.
Welcome Speech
The welcome speech sets the tone for an Opening General Session. It allows you to break to ice while introducing or reintroducing yourself to the attendees. This can either hurt or help your Opening General Session depending on how it’s executed. A bad welcome speech can create a tense, unwelcoming environment that discourages employees from attending future events.
Keep your welcome speech short and to the point, using caution not to wonder off topic. Remember, it’s called a “welcome speech” for a reason: it serves as a basic introduction to the Opening General Session.
Make It Entertaining
One of the most common mistakes companies make when hosting Opening General Sessions is failing to keep it fun and entertaining. It’s easy for keynote speakers to lose the attendees’ attention when they aren’t engaged.
So, how can you make your event fun and enjoyable? Break up the normal routine with entertainment acts, and be sure to offer food & beverages. These simple things, along with the right venue, will lay the groundwork for a successful and enjoyable Opening General Session.
