Ngage Management Produces Innovative, In-Person Conference

While Ngage Management has produced 21 successful virtual events for our clients that have connected, educated, and energized thousands over the last year, we recognize the unique value of meeting face-to-face. We are thrilled to have successfully produced our first in-person conference since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event took place at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas on April 18-20, 2021.

Like many other associations, Ngage’s valued client, the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR), had a sizeable venue contract in place for their 2021 Annual Conference. It was clear to us last fall that we wouldn’t be able to hold our typical 1,000+ conference in-person as scheduled. We also knew that many of AAPPR’s members did not have financial support from their employers for conference participation. Instead, the AAPPR/Ngage team decided to hold the 2021 Annual Conference virtually and pilot a small, hosted buyer event called AAPPR Leaders Connect.

AAPPR Leaders Connect was designed and targeted toward leaders and decision-makers in the physician and provider recruitment industry. Pre-qualified attendees did not pay a registration fee and their hotel accommodations were covered by AAPPR. They were required to participate in a minimum of eight 1:1 appointments with the hosted buyer sponsors in exchange.  

The safety of all participants was a top priority. The event was designed with several protocols, including a mask requirement, daily health screenings, temperature checks, socially distanced floor plans, enhanced cleaning measures, food and beverage delivery that prioritized safety and more.

The Gaylord Texan Resort was a valued partner throughout the process. From the initial renegotiations to significantly reducing the size of the event through the implementation of onsite safety protocols, they collaborated with us to create a win-win situation for both parties.

So, what was the outcome? The event drew 112 people, evenly split between members and vendors. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from both conference attendees and sponsors. Attendees were delighted with the opportunity to interact with each other face-to-face – even if it was behind a mask! A new event born in part from covering contract commitments exceeded initial expectations and became a new revenue driver. The event was such a success that AAPPR is considering offering the event again in future years. The team at Ngage can’t wait to get back to planning more in-person events for AAPPR and other clients!