As sales professionals and leaders start planning conference budgets for the upcoming year, it’s important to consider how to make the most out of each event. Having recently wrapped up a conference, I’ve realized that one of the most impactful elements of a successful conference strategy is incorporating smaller, curated events. Here are the key takeaways you should keep in mind when structuring your own conference plans.
The Power of Curated Events
One of the biggest advantages of attending a smaller, curated event is the quality of the connections you can make. At a recent event, I had the opportunity to engage with 20 to 30 decision-makers and leaders in a specific market that my business serves. In a larger conference setting, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, but a more intimate environment allows for deeper conversations and relationship-building. These individualized relationships can turn into long-term opportunities that are not always easy to foster at larger, more impersonal events.
Strategic Sponsorships
Another benefit of smaller events is being part of a non-competitive sponsor pool. Instead of competing with a host of other sponsors, I was able to connect more meaningfully with other organizations and decision-makers. This dynamic opens the door to potential strategic partnerships, which can be just as valuable as client relationships. By collaborating with sponsors who are not your direct competitors, you can create synergistic opportunities that benefit both your business and theirs.
Offering Unique Education
At the curated event, I was also able to provide education to the attendees in a focused, impactful way. Sharing expertise in your field—especially in a way that directly helps decision-makers improve their businesses—adds tremendous value to these smaller settings. The opportunity to educate not only positions you as an authority in your industry but also builds trust with potential clients and partners. It’s about standing out by delivering real value rather than just being another voice in a crowded room.
Takeaway for Sales Leaders
When planning your conference strategy and allocating your budget, don’t overlook the potential of smaller, more curated events. These gatherings may have fewer attendees, but the relationships, partnerships, and educational opportunities you’ll gain can often be more valuable than larger, less-targeted events. Prioritize intimate environments where you can offer unique value and establish lasting connections.
Optimize Sales Growth with the Right Sales Strategy
There’s no better time than now to focus on enhancing your sales strategies. I can help you and your team grow sales results through my sales training program, sales consulting, and sales assessment services. Let’s talk. Contact me to schedule time for a discovery conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
In sales, smaller, curated events allow for deeper engagement with a focused group of decision-makers and leaders in your target market. These intimate settings foster individualized relationships, which can lead to meaningful business opportunities and long-term partnerships that are harder to establish in larger, more crowded events.
A smaller, non-competitive sponsor pool gives you the chance to collaborate with other sponsors without direct competition. This dynamic opens the door to potential strategic partnerships, which can provide added value to your business while also enabling you to connect more effectively with the event's attendees.
Providing education tailored to the specific needs of the leaders and decision-makers in attendance is a key way to stand out. By showcasing your expertise in a way that helps them improve their businesses, you not only position yourself as an authority but also build trust and create opportunities for future collaboration.
Our Strategic Selling signature sales training program is now available online. This online sales learning program is ideal for professional services and B2B sales. Get started with 2 free lessons.