Academic Ventures - Personal, Cost-Effective Conference Planning

Crowd Control: Only Takes a Spark

The simplest debate or cause of friction can lead to havoc in the right environment.

Arguing over a scarce seat is what did it at Comic-Con when two patrons tussled to the point where one stabbed the other in the eye with a pen. View story at http://www.usatoday.com/life/2010-07-24-comic-con-stabbing_N.htm

Other sources of friction could come from competing researchers in too tight of proximity or a disparaging word about someone, their work or their institution. Reputation is an important asset in academia and slights are not easily ignored.

And although we are long past the era of the Scopes trial scientific research is constantly propelling forward and at times pushing along those social, moral and religious hot-button issues.

So identify where hot button issues or presenters have a greater chance of occurring and plan appropriately, whether that means a security guard near the lectern or an opportunity for participant responses at the end of the event.

Crowd Control: The Right Temp

To avoid potential havoc at your event make sure you don’t create an environment that invites havoc.

An environment that is tight or uncomfortable is just that kind of invitation.

A room that is too small or one set up with furniture too close together can interfere with a person’s personal space, amplify anxiety among attendees  and increase the incident of bumping that occurs whenever groups are gathered.

An uncomfortable environment can generate hostility in an otherwise civil audience. I am sure you have some experience with ill temperate rooms especially those that are too hot because the air conditioner is broken or insufficient; or the room was not cooled early enough and now cannot compete with the large number of individuals in attendance.

Room size and room set-up can make a significant difference.