Events – Professional Academic Corporate etc

EVENTS 

CONFERENCE CONVENTION SEMINAR WORKSHOP UNCONFERENCE etc
ACADEMIC EVENT MANAGEMENT

A Primer

By

VIKRAM KARVE

We may classify events can in a few broad categories based on their purpose and objective: 

1.  Leisure Events  [leisure, sport, music, recreation] 
2.  Cultural Events [ceremonial, religious, art, heritage, and folklore]
3.  Personal Events [weddings, birthdays, anniversaries]
4.  Organisational Events [commercial, political, charitable, sales, product launch, trade fairs, shows, road shows etc]
5.  Academic Events [conferences, workshops, seminars, symposium, unconference]

In this article – let me focus on Academic Events – since that is what I am most conversant with – having been an HR/Training Manager and Professor for many years in my long career – and having participated in and actively presenting papers (and also passively attended as delegate). 

As a part of my work – both in the Navy and in Academia – I have organised many Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Symposia etc.

Of course – I have organized and participated in many other types of events as well – and may write about it subsequently.

The two main stakeholders in an academic event are the organisers – and the participants – or – delegates.

From the academic point of view – the Organisers view the event as one-way communication – a gathering where they impart information to the attendees. 

Of course – there may be other commercial motives and career ambitions as well.

The Delegates may look at the event from different points of view. 

There are a number of reasons why persons attend academic events like conferences – learning experience, enjoyment, professional networking, seeking peer group approval and prestige [by presenting their research papers] – or as a perk or reward for good performance etc.

Conference: A meeting of individuals or representatives of various bodies for the purpose of discussing and/or acting on topics of common interest or theme. 

A conference is a large event, lasting several days and attracting a large number of delegates. 

Typically a conference may attract more than a thousand delegates (1000+ delegates)

A session is an unbroken period within a conference.

The plenary session is a session at which all delegates are present. 

The “Graveyard Shift” is the session immediately after lunch – when most delegates are likely to feel drowsy, have a siesta and nap off. 

A poster session affords opportunity for authors of papers which are not actually presented in the conference to display posters, summaries and abstracts of their papers to delegates and stand by to discuss and answer questions. This is held during conference session breaks outside the main conference hall in the foyers and adjacent lobbies.

Convention: A convention, or congress, is a gathering of greater importance than a conference, much larger in size, with a few thousand participants, with a formal agenda and programme, with the aim of formulating policy.

Seminar: A seminar is a small to medium sized event with the number of delegates ranging from 20/30 to around 100/200. 

Seminars are compact one or two day events designed to educate and inform delegates of the subject(s) of interest and discuss issues of common concern.

Symposium: A symposium is a Seminar where only a single topic or subject is discussed in an informal way encouraging inter-delegate-speaker communication and debate.

Colloquium: In a colloquium one or more experts or eminent academicians deliver lectures on a subject followed by a question and answer session. 

A colloquium is purely academic in nature.

Workshop: A workshop is a small gathering of delegates to discuss and exchange ideas on specific topics or to solve particular problems. 

It is like a symposium but more formal in nature.

Meeting: A meeting is a much smaller event – maybe involving a few executives or invitees – discussing business or a precise agenda.

Information Flow: In a symposium and workshop the flow of information is between all the participants, delegates and speakers; whereas in a seminar and colloquium the flow of information is primarily one-way from the speakers to the audience. 

Of course – in a meeting – there is more of presentation, deliberation and discussion with the aim of collective consensus and decision-making.

Clinic: A clinic is a meeting of a select group of persons with common interests, confronting and discussing real-life situations and problems, organised for the purpose of diagnosing, analysing and seeking solutions to specific problems.

Unconference: An “unconference” is a facilitated, participant-driven face-to-face conference centred on a theme or purpose.

Even at traditional conferences – the most productive moments often occur during informal networking – tête-à-tête – and discussions between the formal sessions – in tea and lunch breaks – and in the evenings over cocktails/dinner/get-togethers etc

That is what an “unconference” aims to achieve.

The cardinal premise of an “unconference” is that there are no spectators – in an “unconference” – everyone is a participant.

This sets the stage for everyone to actively contribute and is another factor in making this event so unique.

The idea of “unconference” probably emanated from the Fundamental Law of Conventional Conferences: 

“The sum of the expertise of the people in the audience is greater than the sum of expertise of the people on stage...”

The aim of an unconference is to break the barrier between the audience and the speakers on the podium. 

Members of the audience and participants write topics they are interested in on boards, consolidate the topics, and then break into discussion groups.

With the advent of the internet and increasing virtual interaction – meetings, conferencing, networking and modern forms of “formal” and “informal” web-based communication and learning technologies – the concept of “unconferencing” is more attractive than traditional conferences of the “old mould” type.

So how does one plan and organise such academic events...?

There are so many aspects and factors to be considered – topic, venue, dates, programme, speakers, papers, delegates, technology, communication, budget, accommodation, food, entertainment, PR, promotion, publication, sponsorship, commercial aspects, check-off lists… 

I will end now. 

But – more on this topic – and about other types of events – later on my blog. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This blog post is a revised repost of my article written 25 years ago in the 1990s and posted online earlier at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/09/event-management-conference-seminar.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/event-management-academic-events.html  etc 

Event Management – Academic Events

ACADEMIC EVENT MANAGEMENT

CONFERENCE CONVENTION SEMINAR WORKSHOP UNCONFERENCE etc
ACADEMIC EVENT MANAGEMENT

A Primer

By

VIKRAM KARVE

We may classify events can in a few broad categories based on their purpose and objective: 

1.  Leisure Events  [leisure, sport, music, recreation] 
2.  Cultural Events [ceremonial, religious, art, heritage, and folklore]
3.  Personal Events [weddings, birthdays, anniversaries]
4.  Organisational Events [commercial, political, charitable, sales, product launch, trade fairs, shows, road shows etc]
5.  Academic Events [ conferences, workshops, seminars, symposium, unconference]

In this article – let me focus on Academic Events – since that is what I am most conversant with – having been an HR/Training Manager and Professor for many years in my long career – and having participated in and actively presenting papers (and also passively attended as delegate). 

As a part of my work – both in the Navy and in Academia – I have organised many Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Symposia etc.

Of course – I have organized and participated in many other types of events as well – and may write about it subsequently.

The two main stakeholders in an academic event are the organisers – and the participants – or – delegates.

From the academic point of view – the Organisers view the event as one-way communication – a gathering where they impart information to the attendees. 

Of course – there may be other commercial motives and career ambitions as well.

The Delegates may look at the event from different points of view. 

There are a number of reasons why persons attend academic events like conferences – learning experience, enjoyment, professional networking, seeking peer group approval and prestige [by presenting their research papers] – or as a perk or reward for good performance etc.

Conference: A meeting of individuals or representatives of various bodies for the purpose of discussing and/or acting on topics of common interest or theme. 

A conference is a large event, lasting several days and attracting a large number of delegates. 

Typically a conference may attract more than a thousand delegates (1000+ delegates)

A session is an unbroken period within a conference.

The plenary session is a session at which all delegates are present. 

The “Graveyard Shift” is the session immediately after lunch – when most delegates are likely to feel drowsy, have a siesta and nap off. 

A poster session affords opportunity for authors of papers which are not actually presented in the conference to display posters, summaries and abstracts of their papers to delegates and stand by to discuss and answer questions. This is held during conference session breaks outside the main conference hall in the foyers and adjacent lobbies.

Convention: A convention, or congress, is a gathering of greater importance than a conference, much larger in size, with a few thousand participants, with a formal agenda and programme, with the aim of formulating policy.

Seminar: A seminar is a small to medium sized event with the number of delegates ranging from 20/30 to around 100/200. 

Seminars are compact one or two day events designed to educate and inform delegates of the subject(s) of interest and discuss issues of common concern.

Symposium: A symposium is a Seminar where only a single topic or subject is discussed in an informal way encouraging inter-delegate-speaker communication and debate.

Colloquium: In a colloquium one or more experts or eminent academicians deliver lectures on a subject followed by a question and answer session. 

A colloquium is purely academic in nature.

Workshop: A workshop is a small gathering of delegates to discuss and exchange ideas on specific topics or to solve particular problems. 

It is like a symposium but more formal in nature.

Meeting: A meeting is a much smaller event – maybe involving a few executives or invitees – discussing business or a precise agenda.

Information Flow: In a symposium and workshop the flow of information is between all the participants, delegates and speakers; whereas in a seminar and colloquium the flow of information is primarily one-way from the speakers to the audience. 

Of course – in a meeting – there is more of presentation, deliberation and discussion with the aim of collective consensus and decision-making.

Clinic: A clinic is a meeting of a select group of persons with common interests, confronting and discussing real-life situations and problems, organised for the purpose of diagnosing, analysing and seeking solutions to specific problems.

Unconference: An “unconference” is a facilitated, participant-driven face-to-face conference centred on a theme or purpose.

Even at traditional conferences – the most productive moments often occur during informal networking – tête-à-tête – and discussions between the formal sessions – in tea and lunch breaks – and in the evenings over cocktails/dinner/get-togethers etc

That is what an “unconference” aims to achieve.

The cardinal premise of an “unconference” is that there are no spectators – in an “unconference” – everyone is a participant.

This sets the stage for everyone to actively contribute and is another factor in making this event so unique.

The idea of “unconference” probably emanated from the Fundamental Law of Conventional Conferences: 

“The sum of the expertise of the people in the audience is greater than the sum of expertise of the people on stage...”

The aim of an unconference is to break the barrier between the audience and the speakers on the podium. 

Members of the audience and participants write topics they are interested in on boards, consolidate the topics, and then break into discussion groups.

With the advent of the internet and increasing virtual interaction – meetings, conferencing, networking and modern forms of “formal” and “informal” web-based communication and learning technologies – the concept of “unconferencing” is more attractive than traditional conferences of the “old mould” type.

So how does one plan and organise such academic events...?

There are so many aspects and factors to be considered – topic, venue, dates, programme, speakers, papers, delegates, technology, communication, budget, accommodation, food, entertainment, PR, promotion, publication, sponsorship, commercial aspects, check-off lists… 

I will end now. 

But – more on this topic – and about other types of events – later on my blog. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This blog post is a revised repost of my article written 25 years ago in the 1990s and posted online earlier at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/09/event-management-conference-seminar.html

Two Weddings and Two Marriages – A Story

WEDDING and MARRIAGE

A Story of Two Weddings and Two Marriages

Short Fiction Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Part 1 – WEDDING

May 2012

I attended Two Weddings during the “Wedding Season”.

In both the weddings – the brides were daughters of my classmates.

Wedding No. 1 was a grand lavish affair in a luxurious 5 Star Resort – full of extravagance and lavishness – and the opulent wedding ceremonies, magnificent events and sumptuous feasts (with the best food and drink) were spread over 3 days.

In a nutshell – Wedding No. 1 was a “status” wedding.

Wedding No. 2 was a simple affair – the girl and boy had a registered marriage in the registrar’s office – and held a simple reception in a modest hall for their close friends and relatives.

In a nutshell – Wedding No. 2 was a “minimalist” wedding.

3 YEARS LATER

Part 2 – MARRIAGE

May 2015

I visited my classmates (fathers of the brides in Wedding Nos. 1 and 2 mentioned above)

Marriage No. 1 (from the Grand Wedding) had broken up.

The couple was divorced – it was a bitter relationship – resulting in a failed marriage – which ended in a nasty divorce. 

In a nutshell – The grand “status” wedding resulted in a failed marriage.

Marriage No. 2 (from the Simple Wedding) was going strong.

In fact – the couple looked so absolutely “much married” – that it was obvious that this successful marriage was going to be an everlasting harmonious relationship.

In a nutshell – The simple “minimalist” wedding blossomed into a successful marriage.

MORAL OF THE STORY

A “Grand Wedding” does not guarantee a “Happy Marriage”. 

In fact – there are many examples where grand weddings have ended up as failed marriages – especially among celebrities.

A “wedding” is a short-lived public event.

A “marriage” is a long-term private relationship.

Surprisingly – some people focus more on the “wedding” (a public event) – than on the “marriage” (a private commitment).

Many “rich and famous” people hire “Wedding Planners”.

But – have you seen anyone hire a “Marriage Planner”…?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Revised re-post of my story WEDDING and MARRIAGE written by me Vikram Karve in 2015 and posted online earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/11/wedding-and-marriage.html 

TIME MANAGEMENT – Part 2 – “Time Management” is “Event Control”

TIME MANAGEMENT  – Part 2

Revised Abridged and Updated Version of My Article on Time Management Written by me 10 Years Ago in the Year 2005...

TIME MANAGEMENT IS EVENT CONTROL

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE  

 

Time is a series or succession of events.

Controlling life means controlling time.

Controlling time means controlling events.

Thus – “Time Management” is “Event Control”

 

Time Management is inextricably linked with event control – and boils down to selecting, planning and managing your events or activities.

For every event or activity you do – you spend time – and you add value.

Yes – ask yourself:

Are you adding enough value to your life – when you spend your time?

Time is a vital resource – which once you spend – is gone forever – and you can never replenish.

This “value-addition” can be in various domains – material, intellectual, familial, health, spiritual – and spending more time on a certain activity – may get you value-addition benefits in the domain of your interest – your cardinal values.

 

Do you value happiness?

If so – how much time are you spending on activities that make you happy?

It is in your hands to exercise control on your activities, actions and events.

If you can control the events in your life – you can manage your time – and achieve inner peace and happiness. 

Some events are in your control – and some events are not in your control.

You must learn to distinguish between what you can control – and what you cannot control.

Then – you can focus on those events you can control.

Focussing on events you can control will enable you to gradually increase your span of control.

 

As long as you live your life in such a way – that your happiness is dependent upon things you cannot control – you will be a puppet in the hands of external circumstances and entities.

Remember happiness happens “inside-out” – not “outside-in”.

Happiness comes from within you – not to you from outside.

Happiness is a product of your mind, your attitude, your thought.

So – the best way to be happy is to spend maximum time on “high value activities”.

 

What are these high value activities? 

What is the highest value of time?

 

Your highest value use of time comprise things – which advance your overall purpose in life – and activities you love to do.

Introspect – analyze – and find out your own high value – and low value – uses of time.

 

You have all the time in the world.

Reflect on what really matters to you.

Stop doing things that you do not value.

Avoid things that do not make you happy.  

 

In case it is not possible to totally avoid those activities, things and people who do not add value to your life – you can at least try to reduce the time your spend on such low value activities/people to a bare minimum – and gradually try to phase them out of your life.

 

Be eccentric in your use of time.

Slow down.

Purge your diary.

Allow at least one hour each day for exercise that you enjoy. 

Even if you are not athletic – you will still enjoy a good walk with a friend – or with yourself. 

Yes – you must spend high value time with yourself.

Use your cell phone, internet and other modern technology for those activities that add value to your life.

As long as it won’t get you fired from your job – stop going to meetings – or doing wasteful activities at work. 

In your personal life too – try to avoid people and events that bore you or hassle you.

Reclaim all your trivial uses of time – so you have more time for yourself – and for people you care about – and for things you value the most.

So before you spend time on something or someone – ask yourself whether you are adding value to your life by spending time on that activity or entity. 

Reduce your low value use of time to the barest minimum – and focus on high value use of time.

Try out the Time Management by Event Control technique.

Aim to Add Value when you Spend Time.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This is based on my personal experience. It may or may not work for you. So please do due diligence before trying out this technique.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is a Revised and Updated Version of My Article SPEND TIME ADD VALUE written by me in the years 2005 and and posted online earlier a number of times in my blogs at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/03/time-management-value-paradigm.html  and  http://creative.sulekha.com/do-you-add-value-when-you-spend-your-time_386317_blog  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/02/time-management-add-value-when-you.html