Jonathan Eunice (bio, Twitter, blog), principal analyst at Illuminata, sent along a tip about Simple Seating. A quick scan reveals that it might be a really useful tool for those in charge of planning an analyst event. We think it is a best practice to leave nothing to chance when it comes to who sits with who at an analyst summit or analyst conference. However, creating a seating chart can be a major time sink and a massive pain. Maybe this online tool can make it easier.
Tip o’ the hat to Jonathan for the tip.
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I have to quibble a bit about this: “We think it is a best practice to leave nothing to chance when it comes to who sits with who at an analyst summit or analyst conference.” I’m not necessarily opposed to assigned seating at some meals but I start getting crabby when every interaction and spare minute at an analyst summit is being orchestrated.
Another bitch that isn’t about analyst summits per se, but why do hotels etc. almost universally use a table size that is just a bit too big to have a practical conversation with anyone who isn’t sitting next to you?
Hi Gordon, Thanks for the response.
I agree that vendors can go a little overboard on scheduling time at analyst events. That is why we recommmend longish coffee breaks and lots of booze-and-schmooze time for the informal chatting.
re: tables. I am in complete agreement that most round tables are too large! Especially in a smallish room where the sound bounces around drowning any hope for conversation.