Millennials at Your Conference

Millennials are defined as the generation born between 1981-1999. They are the youngest members of the workforce, the up and comers, and businesses across the world are looking for new ways to market to them as well as keep them happy as employees. My own children are Millennials and I often seek them out for advice. So what do we know about Millennials and how can we make events more appealing to them?

Millennials are unsurprisingly, the most high-tech generation ever. They have grown up in the era of mobile phones, iPads, and social networks. They are comfortable with technology and love new devices and capabilities. Between this and growing up in an era where their parents kept their schedules full of schoolwork, sports, and other activities, Millennials are fantastic multi-taskers.

Millennials like information. They are open to feedback and want guidance on how they are doing and they want it frequently. They are the generation who will e-mail or instant message a co-worker a question and then immediately walk over to their cube to get the answer.

Millennials have a can-do attitude and look to learn from the older generation in the workplace, they also expect to be listened to and respected in the same manner. Generally speaking, they are assertive and confident, like to be challenged and hate being bored. There are no qualms about updating their resumes on their LinkedIn profile or seeking out their network to search for a new job when they feel idle or unchallenged. Millennials are likely to stay with a job a shorter amount of time than previous generations (2 years vs. 20 years). They are happy to move back in with their parents if the right position isn’t available at the moment, rather than take something that isn’t perfect.

Millennials love working in teams and are very philanthropic. A Millennial might be the person in your office who volunteers to work on your company’s charitable endeavors. They love being busy and active outside the office just as much as when they are behind a desk and want a work/life balance so they can pursue all their personal interests as well when they are off-the-clock.

So, now that we have the profile of a stereotypical Millennial for us to use, we can use their characteristics to develop a plan to make your event or meeting appealing to this group?

The first and most important thing: free wifi. Nothing will make you lose this group faster than putting them in a situation with no way to connect their laptop to the internet or — even worse — the frustration of trying to connect their mobile phones to the cellular network while deep inside a hotel. Recently, I was at an event where most of the audience was Millennials and half of them were actively using their mobile devices while the speakers were presenting. This is not a group where you will be successful in getting them to put their mobile devices away. They are just going to be resentful. Give them wifi and give them a place to charge their mobile devices. Accept them for who they are, iPhone and all, and use their love of technology to your advantage.

Speaking of which, to get Millennials to love your conference, use social networking. Make a point of encouraging your conference attendees to share the fact they are attending your event. Make a listing for your event on LinkedIn, so your attendees can show their network you are attending. Create a location on Facebook and Foursquare so your attendees can “check in” when they have arrived at the meeting space. Designate specific Twitter hashtags for the audience to use for your event.

As much as Millennials love high tech and all things new and shiny, they also long for purpose and meaning. They want great content and it’s got to be presented in a way that’s compelling to keep them interested. That’s when we must rely on using techniques that apply to both sides of the brain to keep them interested in what you’re talking about.

Remember that Millennials are a generous and philanthropic bunch. They want to make a difference in the world. Consider planning an activity that gives back to the community like this one. Millennials will love it. Not only are they learning from the activity, they are doing something good for someone in need. Plus, you never know if activities like might spark an interest in volunteerism back at the office.

As I mentioned, Millennials love working in teams, so breaking up sessions into team activities is a terrific way to keep them engaged. Ask questions of your audience and get their opinion and feedback before, during, and after the meeting. This is a motivated group that wants to participate, and wants to make a difference. Understanding them and catering to their style will not only make them more interested and participatory in your event, but they will more likely than not are the greatest contributors from your audience. They are eager to make a difference at work, at home, and in their community. By respecting and appreciating them what you get in return will be even more.