Blog

Run Conferences That Don’t Break You (or the Budget)

Welcome to the OkWhen blog, where conference planning turns into repeatable systems instead of last‑minute fire drills. Here you’ll find field‑tested playbooks on venues, budgets, AV, hybrid streaming, CEUs, marketing, sponsors, and more – all built from real events run on our platform. If you want practical checklists and proven tactics to plan, price, and deliver flawless conferences year after year, you’re in the right place.

Sponsors Are Not Decorations: Turning Your Expo Into a Revenue Engine That Renews Every Year

Sponsors Are Not Decorations: Turning Your Expo Into a Revenue Engine That Renews Every Year

Chris Kooken
Published on: 16/01/2026

Most conferences treat sponsors like background décor, then wonder why nobody renews. This post shows you how to redesign your sponsor packages, expo layout, and reporting so partners see clear ROI, come back every year, and turn your event into a reliable revenue engine.

Sponsors
How To Manage Conference Volunteers Like a Pro (Without Creating More Chaos)

How To Manage Conference Volunteers Like a Pro (Without Creating More Chaos)

Chris Kooken
Published on: 07/01/2026

Learn how to manage conference volunteers like a pro. Turn “extra hands” into a reliable team with clear roles, training, and game‑day systems that improve attendee experience.

General
How To Market a Conference: A Simple 12‑Week Plan To Actually Fill The Room

How To Market a Conference: A Simple 12‑Week Plan To Actually Fill The Room

Chris Kooken
Published on: 07/01/2026

Learn how to market a conference with a simple 12‑week plan. Build a ticket ladder, use email as your backbone, and turn speakers and sponsors into channels.

Marketing
Stop Letting Hotel Contracts Gamble With Your Conference Budget

Stop Letting Hotel Contracts Gamble With Your Conference Budget

Chris Kooken
Published on: 20/12/2025

Learn how to stop hotel contracts from wrecking your conference budget. Break down room blocks, attrition, F&B minimums, AV, and Wi‑Fi into simple, winnable math.

Venues