The benefits of a conference blog?

I blog, I've taught others to blog, and I've blogged at a conference ...but now I find myself in a position on convincing a group (non-librarians and perhaps non-techies) that a blog could enhance a one-day conference they are planning for women in business.  The conference -- named Connections -- is expected to attract women entrepreneurs from a wide variety of backgrounds as well as college students.  The conference will be held on a college campus.

On March 20, I will present to this group why I think they should include a blog.  I've already written out my thoughts, but want to throw the question out to a group (you) to ensure that I haven't missed anything.  So here is the question -- How does a conference benefit from having a blog?  Please leave comments with your thoughts.  Thank you!

Below is what I've wrtten thus far...for your amusement and critique.

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• What is a blog? A blog is more dynamic than a web site. It is easiest to think of a blog (web log) as being like a journal or newsletter that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption.
•  What is a blog used for? A blog is used to communicate information to an audience on a specific topic.  In a conference setting, it can be used to communicate information before, during and after the conference to participants as well as to those who cannot attend the event live. Those communications could include:

•  Information on conference arrangements
  • Changes or updates
  •  Information to help those who have not attended a similar event
  •  For example, how to get the most out of a one-day conference
•   Speaker biographies
  • More in-depth information
  • Quotes
  •  Pointers to additional resources
•  Session abstracts/announcements
  • Promotional information
  • Participant notes from the sessions
  • Links to presentations and additional information
•  Lists of vendors that are participating
  •  New vendors can be announced as they signup

• What are the short and long-term benefits to Connections? Short-term the benefits would be to help disseminate information about the event and to help promote it. Long-term, the blog would become a repository for session notes, words-of-wisdom, and follow-up information. It might even contain photos from the event. That information can help to promote the next Connections. (Check the blog to see what happened last year.)
•   If we want to include a blog, how do we make it a reality and ensure that it has impact?
  •  Integrate it into the web site for Connections
  •  Promote it as a place to go to for additional information
  •  Have people signed up to create content (business people and students)

Comments

[Steve M]

That's really a smart and quick sloution for video conferencing, without much efforts and time.
http://www.sony-conferencing.com/