Conferences

“I wish to thank you for your expertise and enthusiasm,
which helped to make our [event] such a success.”
Shaun Durkin, Surrey Learning & Skills Council Event Organiser

Mike can help you design and plan your conference

Why not benefit from Mike’s expertise in facilitating change when you need to create a
change as a result of your conference?  And let’s face it, why would you go to all of the
trouble and expense of a organising a conference if you did not want to create a change in
the people attending?

Mike won’t manage your conference for you, but he can help you figure out what you want
to achieve and show you how to structure your event to achieve it.  He can also host or
facilitate the event on the day.

“The whole event was a
far greater success than I could have hoped for and
this, in no small part was down to you”
Peter Sadler, Principal, Bicton College

If you are designing and planning your own conference, read Mike’s powerful tips on:
“How to Organise a Great Conference”.

If you want to book me, or discuss a booking, please use this special form.

Mike can chair or facilitate your conference or event

“One’s choice of facilitator can make or break a day like this, and
we are really pleased with our choice!
We felt that you really created a very good atmosphere for the day,
and one where people felt relaxed and happy to contribute.”
Louise Richards, Chief Executive, War on Want

Mike can Train and Coach your Speakers

Mike is a professional speaker and also an experienced coach and trainer.  The best way to
prepare your speakers for their big event is some training, rehearsal and coaching with an
experienced presenter.  Mike will help you and your team to:

  • Sharpen up your message
  • Give your visuals more impact
  • Improve the clarity of complex arguments and information
  • Boost your confidence
  • Upgrade your presentation style

“On behalf of the team, I would like to thank you for the
excellent training which you gave to us, which
directly contributed to the success of the day.
As you know, this was very much a signature event in our
annual seminar programme and we were
under pressure to make it a success,
particularly given the number and profile of the attendees.
We all feel that we gave more polished performances with the
benefit of your help.  Thank you once again.”
Senior Solicitor at an international Law Firm
based in the City of London

Conference case study

Here is a case study of how Mike helped Action Energy, a part of The Carbon Trust, to design and develop their conference.

The Client

The Carbon Trust is an independent, not for profit company set up by Government with support from business.  Its remit is to “take the lead on low Carbon technology and innovation in the country and put Britain in the lead internationally” (Tony Blair)

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Within the Carbon Trust, Action Energy provided businesses, industries and public sector organisations with free, practical and impartial help and advice on how to cut their energy costs.  The programme is an integral part of the UK Government’s climate change programme, aimed at meeting the UK’s Carbon reduction obligations.

The Brief

Action Energy wanted to create an engaging, informative and motivating away day conference to support the launch of its 2003 – 2006 plan. This plan signalled major change: an improved way of working to meet its customers’ needs and a more collaborative approach to co-ordinating the many partners, through whom Action Energy delivers its services.

Mike was asked to support the team in designing and structuring a conference for 80 members of staff, and representatives from six principal delivery partners.

The Design Process

Mike worked with a planning team to define three clear outcomes.  These were as much changes to the mind-set of the participants as they were content-based.  With those objectives in mind, the conference took participants on a journey from past successes, through the need for change, to the key elements of the new plan.  The day ended with one of Action Energy’s key customers endorsing the new plan.

Integral to the design were a series of activities that engaged every participant in discovering the plan and creating ways to refine it.  The final activity focused on communicating the message back to colleagues who were unable to attend the day.

The Feedback

What participants said:

  • “The day was well organised, varied, and ran to time; very beneficial exercise that should be repeated”
  • “Events of this kind generates enthusiasm which feeds back into working practice”
  • “A great day for team-building; event was fun and very well organised; excellent content and outlook”
  • “Brilliant day”
  • “Helped to make the team more enthusiastic and motivated”
  • “Very useful – great for team-building”
  • “The programme you prepared for the day and the way in which you involved the whole group ensured that it was lively and stimulating for everyone present “

Garry Felgate, Action Energy’s Director, said:

“This was a well planned and well organised event.  The objective was to build one team with a common vision and to develop a sense of belonging. The event was very successful in achieving this.  The whole Action Energy programme has been improved by this programme.”

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