As I sought in an earlier post to rethink conference signage, I need to see what other elements are possible to infuse an "Unconference" with DIY techniques without it becoming a distraction. If it can still keep the right tone of the theme then it has the potential of adding dimension and a personalized atmosphere to the event.
The conference we are preparing is for Invest for the Future. It will have 2 days of full programming and first day and last day for travel to the destination of Struga, Macedonia, a resort area. What signage is needed is usually a welcome sign in the lobby to signify the conference is being held and currently in progress. But before they even get to the hotel they will be travelling to the destination some attendees (mostly women entrepreneurs and those in related positions representing government, corporations, ngos and the like) will come in by bus from their points of origin in regional countries or via airport connections from Skopje. There is then an opportunity to put some type of signage in the bus windows and inside of the bus to signal they are attending the IFTF#Talent: Mine, Yours and Ours unconference.
The DIY touches that could add to the event for women could be:
Pennants with the Invest for the Future logo sewn in. If we do these on white fabic with the red logo it will not be too complicated and we can source a local ngo to sew based on a pattern by one of our talented contributors, Helena Habdija could make.
We can add diy touches to the onsite catering that personalizes brown bag take-away, the buffets and coffee breaks like:
Take-Aways: Simple Snack Packets - which could be distributed on the bus rides so that everyone has a drink and snack along the way, Gifts could also include a handcrafted business card holder or luggage tags.
Coffee/Tea Time: Tea bag wallets - which could be part of the in room welcome basket, Make the ordinary, extraordinary with happy sugar cubes,
Buffet Decorations - which could make up the style quotient of the dining experiences with custom centerpieces, or some shabby chic touches mixing recycled (but sanitary) items with elegant trimmings.
Networking Enhancements - for the unconference sometimes you want to make sure people with similar or divergent interests find each other and there are a few options like Chalkboard Placemats, Photo Place Cards, Table Name Tags
While all together it may be overboard, the point is that even the little touches of customization and using talents of local ngos could add a hint of feminity and style with a jolt of creativity from them unexpected. It also lends itself to csr of an event of including an ngo in the value chain instead of just paying for printed materials that are the standard.
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