Embracing Otherness for Conference Uniqueness [Webinar]

Think about the last time you approached a stranger and asked if you could help them?

Now ask yourself; Did that person look like me?

Robert Putnam, Harvard Political Scientist claims that when most of us are faced with diversity, we retreat and close our doors. As a species we are attracted to sameness and reject otherness.

The future success of your conference will depend on changing your culture to be one of inclusiveness.

Want to know more on how you can infuse your conference culture with Radical Hospitality? Join us next Monday, October 24, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT for our next free webinar, Developing Conference Radical Hospitality.

Honoring Uniqueness

When you see someone different, do you see a what or a who?

Millennials are the most diverse population we’ve ever had. They’ve grown up, gone to school and work with people that don’t look or act the same way as they do. When they attend your conference for the first time, the way you welcome and honor their uniqueness will influence whether or not they return.

To create a strong compelling conference culture that embraces diversity, requires intentionality and vision. It starts with leadership adopting a hosting mentality and treating all attendees as guests.

Radical Hospitality

The word hospitality comes from the Latin hospes, which came from the word hostis, which originally meant “to have power.” Think of the shift you can cause in your conference culture if your leadership began to treat all attendees as guests?

Hosting a conference triggers a totally different set of behaviors and attitudes that promote a welcoming environment. However, conference radical hospitality welcomes all people, just as they are.

Shift Happens

Here’s three ways you can intentionally shift your conference to focus on radical hospitality:

1. Show Up As Your Best Self In Order To Be Your Best Host.

Focus on people first and logistics second. See you role as a connector and design experiences that promote collaboration, trust and openness. Don’t hide in the staff office. Lead by example and be out in front welcoming everyone to your conference.

2. Focus On First Impressions.

There are two parts to first impressions at conferences; interactional and environmental. Is the first environmental impression you’re making on guests a bunch of signs and long lines? Do you enroll your leaders to act as greeters who actively welcome and engage people at the front door, lobby or session rooms?

3. Honor All Guests.

Create experiences where all guests are honored for what they can bring to the table. Treat a first-timer, newbie or student as honored guests that bring new refreshing perspectives, attitudes and ideas that will enhance the entire community.

Want to know more on how you can infuse your conference culture with Radical Hospitality?

Join us next Monday, October 24, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT for our next free webinar, Developing Conference Radical Hospitality