The Big Fat Indian Conference

Having been in the business of participating or organizing large scale events and conferences I couldn't help but draw parallels between the Big Fat Indian Wedding and these. Maybe its cultural and we will always love a well structured event but the uncanny similarities are hard to miss. Outlining the flow of events for a large corporate conference below. This list is not exhaustive but just a sample of what most events cover.

Budgets planned and approvals acquired say 7-8 months in advance for the event planned. Event managers if required should be roped in to help with the execution of your vision. Save the date mailers and blocking time in advance (say 2-3 months) before the event. Teasers/mailers and maybe even gifts shared to block the time of key invitees. Travel/stay arrangements to be made for these folks with the optimum options.Venue needs to be finalized keeping in mind the scale of the conference and the branding and buzz you want to create. 

Plan the agenda and speaker series and event flow. Depending on whether its a two or three day event with external or internal folks participating, you need to have this on point. This needs to be managed keeping in mind, who gets to be the key note speaker/ panel moderator and speakers. Diversity and inclusivity across the agenda needs to be maintained while formulating the same. Also back-ups in case there are drop outs needs to be planned. This needs to be approved and agreed by all the stakeholders.

Closer to event date, plan on the social media marketing, the hashtags for the LinkedIn story and start promoting the same for creating the buzz. You can get as creative as you can and tap into multiple channels for the same.Ensure the branding efforts at the venue follow the theme identified and all the collateral reflect that. The goodies bag is also carefully organized to ensure there is some innovation around what we offer to the attendees. Food and beverages are planned to ensure there is just no repetition and there is enough coffee and tea at all points in the day. 

The event date arrives with all the anticipation and enthusiasm. Of course there are flight delays/rescheduling/technical snags/last minute speaker dropouts and any other anomaly that you definitely need to manage on the ground. Quick decisions are taken on the spot, agenda shuffled but the event happens on track. Photo booth and props are created to capture the memories of the day and document your attendance at the event. Of course the goodies bags are a hit and all go away happy with raving feedback.  You ensure the last of the participant leaves the event feeling happy that they participated in your milestone event. You follow this up with thank you notes to emphasize what a massive success this has been.The feedback ratings sore through the roof!

Now go back, read the same and tell me which of these steps aren't covered in our Indian wedding? Stakeholders are the bride and groom and their respective families. Attendees are your friends and relatives. Agenda does include 2/3 days planning with the mehendi/sangeeth/performances and who anchors what and says what. There is a role for every key family member. Social media usage would be more Instagram and Facebook.  There are fussy relatives who complain, who demand last minute changes and need to be managed. Of course, finally the bride and groom and their families go away happy that their lifetime event came to life exactly the way they envisioned. Not to forget the overall theme of the wedding that is carefully branded across the wedding. 

I rest my case.


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