Events need to change. Here are some ideas.
Over the last several years I have attended many conferences. I have come to a point that in order for me to pay $300 (plus travel and meals) to go to an event, it had better provide something other than the same old list of speakers that appear at all the other national events.
The truth is, I can access most of their messages online and listen to them whenever I want. Sitting in a room and hearing them give a lecture in person is no longer a significant enough reason for me to spend money on an event.
So, what would make me want to come to an event? Unique experiences, collaborations, interactions and relationships.
Here are a few thoughts about how I think this could look:
- Create unique conversations or collaborations that I can’t hear anywhere else. Break free of canned lectures by giving unique experiences—original content that’s created as it happens in the room (think of an awards show when 2 of your favorite artists perform together, or the TV show iconoclasts, or listening in on an amazing conversation). Pair thought leaders together and have them interact with one another.
- Though technology and personal conversations, allow me to interact with the presenters. Let me ask the questions I am dying to ask. When I am allowed to enter into a conversation, the entire experience becomes profoundly different and more valuable for me.
- I believe the most powerful thing about a gathering is the collective knowledge of those attending. Stop placing all of the value on the expert disseminating information to the attendee. Let we the attendees feel empowered and valued as experts as well. Create forums for our voices to be heard, issues to be raised and solutions to be brainstormed, together.
- Highlight community and relationships. Let the gathering times reflect the uniqueness of the people that are in the room. What can only happen when this group of people are in the room? What is different and beautiful about this group? Create space and environments for us to interact, get to know each others stories, network, have real conversations. Make this a part of the plan – not instead or in spite of the planned activities.
This is the stuff that IMAGO is about. If you are planning an event or gathering of any sort and would like some help figuring this stuff out, we would love to help.
