Turn Your Next Conference into a Strategy Accelerator

Last week I spoke at a tech firm’s conference. My topic: Brave the Change, Lead with AI. A big shoutout to their energetic team bold team for being willing to try out new ideas.

If you’ve already registered for our Express Masterclass on August 19th, Planning Your AI Strategy Execution, well done. You’re in for a powerful session. I’ll walk you through our Culture-Friendly approach to implementing AI, designed to get real results. If you haven’t yet registered, you can sign up here.

This week, I’m sharing practical tips on how to run conferences that actually make a difference.

Why this matters

I’ve been thinking more about my own “why” recently. I work with leaders to build plans with real buy-in, because I’ve seen too many strategies go nowhere.

One moment really shaped this for me. Back in the ’90s, when I was at McKinsey, we were presenting a strategy to a CEO in the US. He was happy with the work, praised the team, and that was it. Box ticked. I knew nothing would happen next. The report would go on a shelf.

That stuck with me. I realised I didn’t want to just develop Strategy. I want to build and execute plans, where I can see a tangible outcome. Whether it’s a workshop I’m facilitating, or a keynote talk, I want to know that people walk out that room with a concrete plan and real intention to do something different.

Let’s look at 3 ways you can generate an actual difference in behaviour at your next conference.

3 Tips to Run a Conference That Drives Change

1. Create energy, and channel it
A high-energy room feels good. You can do this with music, dialogue, movement. Then shift the energy towards forward momentum. Use tools like small-group problem-solving or scenario sprints to activate minds, not just emotions. Give participants time to work on real issues, not just react to content.

2. Use storytelling to drive change
Telling a good story is not entertainment, it’s strategic. Here’s a brief video clip that explains this. Help people see themselves in the transformation. Use vivid, real examples where behaviour changed and outcomes improved. Invite speakers who can ground big ideas in human terms. People act when they feel an emotional connection.

3. Make takeaways behaviour-based, not just insights
Insight without action fades fast. Instead of “what did you learn?” ask “what will you do differently on Monday?” Provide takeaways that focus on behaviour, habits, and decisions.

Even the best strategy means little if people leave a conference inspired, but unchanged. These tips will help you create events where the conversation leads to commitment, and where culture and strategy move forward together.

PS More Ways to Accelerate your Strategy

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About Lisa Carlin

Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist. She works with business leaders to go from strategy to plan to result, in tough environments. Her clients love having her expertise and guidance to navigate their workplace culture and use AI to achieve success.

Lisa is author of the globally acclaimed newsletter, Turbocharge Weekly, read by 8,000 business leaders.

Lisa’s career includes roles at McKinsey and Accenture, then running her own business since 1999. Over this time she has delivered over 50 implementations with a 96% success rate.

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