How to Run a Successful Event: Lessons from Linkedify's First Conference

Do you remember the first event you ever organized? Chances are, it was a whirlwind—some wins, a few missteps, and a list of things you'd do differently next time. That’s the norm. Which is why what happened at Linkedify’s first-ever conference in Oslo is worth examining.

From seamless mic checks and flawless speaker handovers, to audience engagement tools, curated food, and even cinnamon buns—everything ran like silk. Hats off to Kimiya Sajjadi and Fredrik Fornes, because they didn’t just organize an event. They built an experience. Here's what they got right—and what you can take away for your own events.

Assemble a Focused and Energetic Team

Behind every great event is a team that knows exactly what they’re doing—and why they’re doing it.

Why a Great Team Matters

You can’t be everywhere at once on event day. From tech setup to guest management and speaker coordination, every moving part needs a dedicated owner. A strong team brings energy, precision, and accountability. And when everyone is in sync, the event feels effortless (even when it’s not).

That’s exactly what made Linkedify Oslo shine. Each team member owned their role and pulled together with the kind of precision you usually see from veteran event crews.

How to Build a Great Team

Hire for attitude and train for skill. Look for people who are dependable, proactive, and solution-oriented. Whether they’re managing logistics, handling registrations, or cueing speakers, you want people who can stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions.

Once the team is in place, create a strong culture of ownership. Give everyone clarity on their responsibilities and empower them to make decisions within their domain. That’s how you get buy-in—and performance.

Consider the Audience Experience

Great events aren’t about logistics. They’re about people. What makes an event memorable is how it makes attendees feel—from the first welcome to the final handshake.

The Importance of Audience Engagement

Linkedify nailed this. From thoughtfully designed workbooks to guide audience note-taking, to clear schedules, engaging sessions, and delicious food—every detail enhanced the attendee experience. And it showed. The audience was dialed in, present, and excited to engage.

If you want to replicate that level of engagement, start with empathy. Ask yourself: “If I were an attendee, what would I need to get the most out of this session?” Then deliver it—before they even ask.

Choosing the Right Venue

Venue choice can make or break the vibe. Linkedify chose a space that fit their 300-person audience perfectly. It was intimate, yet had enough breakout room for networking and casual conversation.

Your venue should match your audience size and the experience you want to create. Big enough to breathe, small enough to connect. Don’t forget practicalities: tech setup, accessibility, and location convenience all impact how smoothly things run—and how people feel about the day.

Conclusion

Running a great event isn’t easy. But it’s absolutely doable—especially when you approach it like Linkedify did: with intention, empathy, and excellence.

Remember to Celebrate Success

Once the last session ends and the chairs are stacked, don’t forget to take a breath and appreciate what you’ve built. Say thank you—to your team, your speakers, your sponsors, and your attendees. Events run on hard work, but they thrive on relationships.

Take a moment to savor the success. You earned it.

Keep Learning and Improving

Even when you get it mostly right (as Linkedify did), there’s always something to improve. Collect feedback. Debrief with your team. Look at what worked, what felt clunky, and what surprised you.

The best event organizers don’t just deliver great experiences. They refine them. Event after event.

So—thinking of organizing your first event? Bookmark this blog. Assemble your dream team. Obsess over the attendee experience. And whatever you do—don’t forget the cinnamon buns.

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