The first item on your conference checklist: your goals. Are you aiming to educate, inspire, network, or launch a new initiative? Your goals will steer every decision you make during the planning process, so make sure they're crystal clear.

Let’s say you're targeting AI researchers. Knowing this, you would choose in-depth technical sessions, demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, and opportunities to network with industry leaders, rather than an AI 101 session, for instance.

Next up on your checklist is crafting a realistic budget. Make sure you budget for venue rental, catering, marketing and speaker fees, incorporating your available resources such as conference registration fees and sponsorships.