Chairing a Conference/ Convention

One of the most difficult things for any conference or convention is to select the "right" person to chair the event. Most individuals either lack the experience, expertise, or skill set needed to do what should be done. The first challenge for organizers of a conference or convention is to even get someone who agrees to take the position. That is because most people realize that a convention/ conference chair's position is extremely stressful and often thankless. It is also far more time consuming than most people realize.

Since most organizers of conferences don't fully realize the intricacies involved in properly running a convention, it is very difficult for them to even know who they are looking for, nor what the required skills are. One of the major reasons that most conventions and conferences do not fulfill their potential is that the necessary planning, negotiations, and ability to "think on one's feet" is lacking. I would recommend that a few of my previously published Associated Content articles be used, such as my articlea on Conference and Convention Planning, Hotel Negotiations, etc.

Some of the needed skills for a chairperson is he is to do the best possible job include:

(1) Have an even disposition. A chair must be able to deal with a variety of different individuals with various skill levels, as well as substantially different personalities.

(2) A chair must have a "think outside the box" attitude. There are a variety of different ways that things can be done, and each will have different impacts.

(3) A chair must know how to prioritize. There are many nice ideas, but some are more important to the success of the conference.

(4) A chair must be able to say, "No." Invariable, many people will try to wield influence, and try to get the chair to do something "their way."

(5) A chair must be able to figure out alternative ways to get things done.

(6) A chair must have excellent negotiating skills.

(7) A chair must understand budgeting, and be able to work effectively within a budget.

(8) A chair must be able to anticipate various ramifications of action or inaction.

(9) A chair must understand the concept of "perceived value." "Perceived value" is the value an attendee gives to either getting an amenity or it lacking."

(10) A chair must properly spend on necessary items, while reducing waste, and attaining value.

(11) A chair must understand that overall value is only achieved by getting maximum value on each item, regardless of how small a savings. It is the sum of these small savings that maximizes value!

(12) A chair must be self- confident, while also being able to admit which areas he most needs help and assistance.

(13) A chair must have a positive "can do" attitude

(14) A chair must perform well under pressure

(15) A chair must be a welcoming- type individual.

The above list is simply the surface of what to look for when choosing a convention chairperson. Obviously, these are not skills possessed by "average" individuals. A good chairperson must be an exceptional individual, who strives for perfection, while maintaining his sense of pragmatism, adaptability and reality.