Finding new ways to engage conference participants is a challenge for many conference organizers. Entertainment, the Internet and media have transformed society into the participatory culture. Today’s conference audiences are accustomed to quick action, rapid scene changes, racing soundtracks and the ability to change their direction with a click. They expect visceral stimulation and are … [Read more…]
Here is the PPT from my recent presentation for the Higher Education User Group (HEUG). The presentation focused on creating brain friendly presentations and increasing learning as well as retention. Sizzle & Substance: Creating Brain Friendly Presentations
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” When it comes to selecting industry speakers, that adage is especially sage. You’ve read their speaker proposal, description and bio. They look like the right fit for your conference. But just because they’ve got the right dancing shoes doesn’t mean they can pull off the dance. Here are … [Read more…]
Quick, name the last presentation that you attended. Now, name two things you learned from that presentation. Can you do it? If you can’t recall at least one or two things from that presentation, was it worth your time and investment? Now try this. Name the last speaker or presentation that you heard that totally … [Read more…]
With all the advancements in society and research on how the brain works, why is it that most conference education still provides talking heads and passive listeners? Is that best for your attendees? Here is the PowerPoint from a short 12-minute TED-style presentation that I gave at Experient’s 2010 e4 conference in Orlando, FL. Enjoy. Modernizing … [Read more…]
The things that make you go hmmm. I’ve been reading a lot of books recently about how our brains experience emotions, engagement and learning, and how we remember, retain and apply information. I’ve been thinking about the application of cognitive neuroscience to conferences, events and meetings. These are the things that make me go hmmm. … [Read more…]
Having one’s fundamental belief systems challenged is hard. When those core beliefs are proven, through science, to be incorrect, it is even harder to let go. Sometimes it takes days, months and even years to let the new information unfold and develop an understanding of the new concepts. Sometimes we refuse to let go. Sometimes … [Read more…]
“The secret to learning new things is to be willing to unlearn–even if your behaviors previously brought success.” ~ Marcia Connor. Unlearning, Learning And Relearning About How The Brain Impacts Conferences And Events I’m been in an unlearning funk for the past year or so. I didn’t want to give up familiar education models. They … [Read more…]
When was the last time you ordered something in a restaurant and the wait staff brought you the wrong dish? Go ahead and think about that for a minute. You’re probably thinking, “Uh-h, when was the last time that happened? Where was I?” French Onion Soup, Cheese Fondue And Mushroom Crepes It happened to me … [Read more…]
Oxygen, we can’t live without it. We need it to live, breath and function. This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is the third most abundant element in the universe next to hydrogen and helium. It changes everything it touches. It forms compounds with almost everything it contacts and creates something new. Most molecules in living organisms … [Read more…]
