unGeeked is neither conference nor unconference but a retreat
The need for learning and engagement.
The need for smaller conferences or seminars is much like the argument for small classroom size. Similar to the argument for smaller classrooms, conferences with less than 250 attendees do the following:
- Create conditions that encourage learning.
- Leave room for more individual attention from keynoters and speakers.
- Allows keynoters and speakers to engage more with attendees.
- By having a combination of national and regional speakers, you can cover more ground on topics of integrating Social Media into Human Resources, Talent Acquisition Public Relations, Marketing, Branding, Customer Service, and Sales.
Bigger is better if the goal is glossing over topics, attending product or sales demonstrations or if attendees want to visit exhibits. In a larger setting, the focus is more on networking and less on fostering long-term relationships.
unGeeked is neither a conference nor an unConference – unGeeked is a Retreat.
Retreats…
- Builds community
- Are self contained and focused
- Takes you out of your element and allows for greater opportunities of discussion and creativity
- Encourages you to grow as individuals
- Encourages you to grow and bond more as members of a team
- Helps to create and foster bonds that “continue long after the retreat ends.”
- 20-on-One’s offer a chance to form closer bonds and face-to-face conversations with national and international keynoters that go beyond connecting on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn and last beyond “unGeeked.”
- Provides national keynoters and regional speakers an opportunity to connect on topics, align for business, and create trust and bonds.
Why unGeeked?
Owners, Vice President, Directors, Consultants and Managers want to know more than the latest product introduction or rollout or business applications that can help their business or departments run smoothly. They want to also know how to manage their most important asset. They want to know how to manage their brand and the people who help to position and convey the value of the brand. unGeeked is the brand and your internal brand ambassadors and external brand evangelist.
This is a great summary of what makes Ungeeked different; “allows you to grow and bond as members of a team” especially gets to the heart of it. I can tell you that as a participant (note I am saying participant and not just (passive) “attendee”) at the first Ungeeked retreat that was held in Milwaukee that this is exactly what it felt like. I heard many, many people commenting long after the retreat that they felt tighter with the social marketing community than before the event and bonds have lasted long after. Great post.
Years of attending and speaking at conference after conference with thousands of people and still feeling unsatisfied. Give me a place where I can be in the same room and truly connect with like minded folks looking to create something new and different. I love that unGeeked appears to be about quality rather than quantity.
I would love to volunteer at the retreat in Orlando. Please send me more information.