the expectations for their speech, but their pre-apologizing just ensures nobody pays attention.
The long-time attendee or board member who crushes every new idea that is proposed to enhance the conference experience or introduce new trends or technologies. They argue against new concepts because “that’s not the way it’s always been done.” These people hate change and will work hard to ensure their event organizers are not allowed to experiment.
The person who attends the organization’s na- tional convention and then brings the best ideas home to implement at the local chap- ter. They spread the best of what they see to new audiences and help to expand best practices.
7. The Conference Colonist
The person who attends the conference only for the educational opportunities. They take pages of notes and never miss a keynote or breakout session. However, they avoid all the meals, happy hours, breaks, and anything else fun. They get good information, but miss out on meeting new people. When these people are on the com- mittee to plan events, they undercut the importance of the human experience.
8. The Conference Educationalist
The person who attends all the happy hours, dinners, coffee breaks, etc., but never seems to be able to sit through an entire keynote or breakout session. These people meet everyone they can on a superficial level, but they’re never a true part of the overall conference society, as they are not engaged in the shared learning experience.
9. The Conference Receptionist
The person who is wearing too much cologne or perfume. Need I say more?
10. The Conference Aromatherapist
The person who finds a way to sign a new client or gets a new job offer while attending a conference. This person can make mon- ey grow on trees, regardless of their actual involvement with the event. They do this without being pushy or obnoxious; they just happen to be able to create opportunities in any situation. They do not need to be a vendor or sponsor to do business while at the event.
11. The Conference Capitalist
The person who attends the event with a coworker, spouse, or friend, and who never leaves the companion’s side the whole time.
12. The Conference Accompanist
The person who makes a hobby out of attending events. They can be found at all types of conventions, conferences, tradeshows, and seminars. They love the atmosphere. They network and learn, but never seem to cultivate any long-term relationships or turn their participation into real business opportunities.
13. The Conference Hobbyist
The person who often acts like the Conference Obstructionist, but under the guise of preserving traditions. They want to keep the meeting the same as it has always been, and they do not care about attracting new attendees.
14. The Conference Protectionist
For 15 more personalities you will encounter, visit MidwestMeetings. com and look for the Winter 2011 page under the Resources tab.
Oh, the people you’ll meet at a conference!
Thom Singer is known as “The Conference Catalyst.” As a speaker, he transforms average conference hallway chitchat into impactful net- working and long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that lead to more business. He is the author of eight books on the power of business relationships, networking, and presentation skills. For more information, visit
www.ConferenceCatalyst.com.
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM - ALL NEW LOOK, ALL NEW PURPOSE, ALL FOR YOU 19 6. The Conference Obstructionist
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