I've attended over 40+ events in the past 6 months in Canada, US and United Kingdom. Here's what event organizers are getting wrong.
1. Neglecting Moderator Selection
Moderators are just as important as speakers. Most panel moderators are just asking stoically and robotically the questions instead of being an actual interviewer and creating a two-way dialogue. We need interviewers, not question-readers. And if you need one — hi, I’m right here.
2. Prioritizing Credentials over Engagement
Just because someone has a shiny job title doesn’t mean they can speak. And I should know as it was my job to train executives as many of my past corporations. Stop choosing panelists based on their logo or other artificial success markers and start choosing panelists by how engaging or insightful they are as speakers.
3. Audience Curation Matters
Who is in the room matters. Too many organizers invite their friends, not the right instead of curating a quality audience. If I go to an event and it's not filled with people genuinely wanting to network and have meaningful conversations I’m not attending again. No more echo chambers, please.
4. Neglecting Structured Networking Opportunities
There’s a desire for structured ways to network. We need move events that focus on connecting the audience in the room - rather than just having the audience tune into the speakers. Guided intros. Roundtables. Matchmaking by role or interest.
Build connection into the format — don’t leave it up to chance.
5. Exorbitant Fees for Limited Value
Some are charging absorbent rates to attend with not a lot of value offered to the participants and then we’re talking about that in our communities. Focus less on your goody bag and lunch - and more on the quality of your programming. A $600 1-day Summit for women is creating echo chambers of privilege - not expertise.
6. Evasion of Tough Questions
Tough questions are the point. When asked, panelists often aren’t handling the tough questions. Instead they are pulling from a rehearsed PR scripts and answering generically or avoiding the question. We need to create more safe spaces in the event scene.
7. Mysogynistic Questions
Gendered and clichéd questions perpetuate stereotypes and hinder meaningful discussion. Avoid inquiries about balancing work with kids and personal life or battling imposter syndrome. There's so much more interesting conversation to be had. Full stop.
8. Specialized Seniority Events
I’d personally love more specialized events for Director +. I rarely get to connect with Director+ level marketers. It’s such a gap that I’m considering hosting more events with executives only - if interest comment below and I’ll organize.
Overall, if you're building events — build them with intention.
The bar is low. The opportunity is high.
What are you seeing be done wrong at events that you want changed? 👇
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