Seminar, webinar, symposium, conference... You probably know that there are several events under that heading. And they all have to do with information sharing. But, what exactly is a seminar? And how does it differ from a webinar?
Seminar meaning
A seminar is a way of sharing knowledge. To exchange ideas and bring about change. And of course: to bring people together. Usually this is done in a small-scale setting with an expert (or more) going deeper into a specific topic. This can be a presentation or an interactive session. The main purpose of a seminar is to share knowledge.
The word 'seminar' comes from Latin. It means 'seed' or 'incubator'. In other words, it refers to a place where ideas and knowledge grow and... flourish. We ourselves usually use the term for formal meetings where knowledge sharing is central. And do you ever hear 'seminar'? That comes from Flanders. The meaning is exactly the same.
The 4 advantages of a seminar
A seminar has several advantages. The main advantage is information sharing.
- Share information
The ideal way to brush up on your knowledge! During a seminar, your target audience learns more about a specific topic. The main aim is to ensure participants leave having learnt something new.
- Inspiring one another
Seminars often feature experts as speakers. These speakers have their own perspectives and insights. This can lead to new ideas or provide the motivation to continue with research.
- Making contacts
A seminar brings together a select group of people. And as we all know, it’s not every day that you get to talk to people from the same sector. That’s perhaps why making contacts is the best thing about a seminar. In short: networking.
- Strengthen image
With a (well-organised) seminar, you can also make yourself visible as a company or organisation. This creates more recognition from the target group or can help you gain a better position on the market as an expert. You also show that sharing information is important to you.
How to organise a seminar?
Are you thinking of organising a seminar yourself ? Then there are several things you need to consider. At least consider the following important points.
- Come up with a theme
A themecan help you organise the programme more effectively. Choose a specific topic, a trend or a direction within the field. This will be the main focus of the day and provide a framework for you, the speakers and the participants.
- Choose a suitable venue
Not every venue is suitable for a seminar. You should therefore carefully consider your target audience and then choose an event venue that suits their needs. Pay particular attention to the location, accessibility, size and associated facilities. Does your target audience come from all corners of the Netherlands? If so, it’s a good idea to choose a venue close to public transport. Jaarbeurs , for example, is literally right next to the station. Ideal!
- Outline the key points for the day
Have you never organised a seminar before? If so, it’s helpful to work with a few key points before drawing up the programme. So: which elements must NOT be missing? A speaker, for example. A healthy lunch. Networking opportunities and entertainment. Write down all the key points for yourself.
- Put your programme together
Once you’ve got the broad outline, you can get started on the programme. Think about which speakers fit the theme and get in touch with them. Good to know: putting together a strong programme takes time. What’s more, sought-after speakers are often booked well in advance. So it’s wise to start this in good time.
- Promote your seminar
Time to inform your target audience! Now is the moment to recruit participants. And there are various ways to do this: email, social media, newsletters, trade journals, direct contact and more. But be careful: check carefully where your target audience is, as you want to approach the right group of people. If you post it on social media, you run the risk of reaching people you might not want to invite at all.
What is the difference between a seminar and webinar?
The name says it all: a webinar is via the web. Often it is online, but you may also do a pre-recorded video. In other words, a webinar follows your target audience from behind their computer, tablet or phone. A seminar, on the other hand, is in physical form. And because it is in real life, it also means that it is often more interactive than the online version. In a seminar, you have more room for direct interaction with each other. Networking, for example, is a lot easier in real life, than in a chat room.
Want to really connect and touch your group? Then organise a seminar. We will be happy to help you think about how best to organise this. At Jaarbeurs, we have years of experience in hosting and organising seminars. Together we go for a successful event.
