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Since many groups were forced to be fully remote for the better part of the last two years, it seems that many are trying their hardest to avoid it as a solution this year. Particularly for those participants not yet ready to convene again in-person, but respecting those who are, groups are asking with greater regularity to shift to a hybrid model. What organizers are not recognizing, however, is that this approach to meetings often requires a different design plan than meetings either 100 percent virtual or 100 percent in-person. Before just “going hybrid,” following are 20 key considerations for both you and your organization to help ensure the best possible experience for everyone involved. This article authored by Aaron Wolowiec was featured on the Institute for Organization Management's Blog.
As a Certified ToP Facilitator and Mentor Trainer, Aaron Wolowiec is often called on by organizations to facilitate strategic planning. Usually, the aim is to identify long-term organization strategy and to generate shorter-term operational plans intended to help guide staff implementation; however, this process is equally effective at the department, team, product, and service level. Learn more about Event Garde’s proven three-part strategic planning process.
The pandemic has forced us to get creative with where we eat, learn and connect. Will a shift to outdoor events be in our future? Aaron is quoted throughout this article from Association Forum.
This article by Aaron Wolowiec was recently published as part of the Texas Society of Association Executive's July/August 2021 issue of Association Leadership magazine.
Given the current landscape it’s no wonder we’re having a difficult time deciding what events to hold, postpone, cancel, reimagine, sunset, or transition to a new format (like virtual or hybrid). Here are nine sets of key questions to consider when working with clients as part of an event analysis before ever jumping into planning mode. This article authored by Aaron Wolowiec was featured on the Institute for Organization Management's blog.
Aaron Wolowiec, the founder and CEO of Event Garde, established the Healthy by Association community for people in stress-riddled association and hospitality industries to connect around a shared lifestyle and inspire each other to invest in their health. He was the guest for episode #49 of the podcast.
Chapter leaders are eager to get back to in-person meetings. But are in-person events a responsible and viable option for the near future? CRPs want to help chapters make the right decisions and provide the support chapters need to host safe events when the time is right. What is the best way to approach this thorny issue? To get the guidance CRPs and chapters are seeking, Billhighway tapped the expertise of Aaron Wolowiec, CAE, CMP, the CEO of Event Garde, a professional development and meetings consulting firm.
A year ago, component relations professionals (CRPs) and chapter leaders turned their focus to virtual chapter meetings. Now, as the vaccine rolls out across the country, the focus is shifting again as the potential for in-person meetings becomes a possibility for chapters in 2021. New questions are arising as CRPs figure out what advice or directives to give to chapters. Should chapters plan on in-person events and meetings this year? Can they provide a safe experience? Will members be ready? Is hybrid a viable option? Like you, Billhighway had more questions than answers so they turned to one of the brightest minds they knew on association and chapter events, Aaron Wolowiec, CAE, CMP (and holder of many other credentials), the CEO of Event Garde, a professional development and meetings consulting firm.
This article by Aaron Wolowiec was featured by the Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE) in their November/December newsletter.
Producing a virtual event can be difficult, particularly for groups forced to convert an education portfolio heavy on in-person events to digital formats for the first time. Moving forward, associations need to offer high-quality virtual and hybrid meetings that serve changing member needs and preferences. -- This article was featured by Associations Now Daily News and was written by Aaron Wolowiec and Chris Gloede.