Micro-Conferences are the way
mi·cro·con·fer·ence /ˈmaɪkroʊˌkɒnfərəns/ noun
A bite-sized, high-impact gathering of brilliant minds in accounting and finance, where the coffee is strong, the content is real & honest, and the conversations go way deeper than “wow, it’s so sunny today.”
Attendees enjoying a speaker session. Image captured by Akiha Marketing
After orchestrating WAVE-Seattle, a one-day event for 65 women in accounting and finance, I witnessed firsthand how intimate gatherings can ignite meaningful connections and drive transformative conversations.
Why Host a Micro-Conference?
1. Deepened Connections: Micro-conferences allow for interactive formats like live Q&As and hands-on workshops. These elements not only enrich the experience but also empower attendees to actively participate and share insights. At WAVE-Seattle, attendees engaged in authentic conversations, sharing experiences and forging relationships that extended beyond the event.
2. Tailored Experiences: With a focused audience, you can curate content that resonates deeply. Our sessions, led by industry leaders and experts in strategy and technology, were designed specifically for our community's interests and challenges.There was a perfect blend of professional and personal discussions because… our careers don’t define us.
3. Catalyst for Change: Micro-conferences open space to have important conversations that can be the seeds of change for any industry. For the accounting industry in particular, we are in the midst of a technological revolution, and there is no doubt that our industry can change for the better because of the collaboration that occurred on that single day.
4. Cost-Effective Impact: Smaller scale doesn't mean smaller impact. It’s actually much easier to put attention to the details in smaller gatherings. By optimizing resources (and especially procuring sponsorships) and focusing on quality over quantity, micro-conferences can deliver significant value without the hefty price tag of larger events.
Our live podcast recording. Image captured by Akiha Marketing
Tips for a Successful Micro-Conference
1. Bring Others in: Poll potential attendees to hone in on what you aim to achieve - be it knowledge sharing, networking, or community building - and let this guide your planning. Don’t be afraid to share your vision publicly with potential attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers. You never know what opportunities can arise because of it.
2. Curate Thoughtful Content: Select topics and speakers that align with your audience's interests. At WAVE-Seattle, sessions on sharing your unique story, AI integration, and content creation were particularly well-received. We ended the day with a live podcast recording with 2 community-beloved podcast hosts The Ambitious Bookkeeper and Workflow Queen.
3. Make it FUN: Consider hosting the event outside of a hotel conference room and somewhere that enhances the experience and adds to the energy of the day. Bring in a DJ to keep that energy high. Have an epic after party. The goal is to make attendees feel present and alive in the moment.
4. Personalize the Experience: From customized name tags to WAVE-Seattle branded swag, all of the small touches made attendees feel cared for. Get to know your attendees. Go over the registration list and research who they are and what their interests are. They’re taking a chance on you - get to know them even before they walk into the room.
5. Have a GTM (go to market) Strategy: As a marketing-major-converted-to-accounting-major, marketing is still a passion. Creating interest and visibility is important. But quite arguably more important is creating FOMO. Invite attendees to share their experiences. Have someone like Behind Your Scenes on site to record b-roll in real time and have immediate marketing footage. Your event is going to be amazing and you need witnesses if you want to do it again. You will have plenty of opportunities before the event to market as you announce speakers, sponsors, and all of the other exciting details.
6. Create a Budget: Yea, I went there. But to be intentional about curating the best experience, you’ll want to ensure you are 1) charging enough on the ticket price, 2)finding enough sponsorship, and 3)keeping track of it all. You don’t want to “sponsor” more than you meant to.
Entreprenista League member photo opportunity. Image captured by Akiha Marketing
In essence, micro-conferences offer a unique platform to connect, learn, and grow within your community. By focusing on meaningful interactions and curated content, you can create an event that resonates and leaves a lasting impression well beyond the day itself.
Considering hosting your own micro-conference? Start by identifying your community's needs and envisioning an event that addresses them. With thoughtful planning and a commitment to authenticity, your micro-conference can become a catalyst for connection and change.
Inspired by WAVE-Seattle and the vibrant community it brought together.