Conferences need 4D experiences: deep learning, deep play, deep reflection and deep connections. You probably recall a time in your life when you viewed a 3D movie. You wore 3D glasses and the images looked like they popped out of the screen. Your conference needs more than the gimmick of 3D glasses. It needs authentic 4D experiences. It needs opportunities for participants to experience deep learning, deep play, deep reflection and deep connections. 21st Century 4D Experiences Too many … [Read more...]
Your Conference Renewal Begins With Wondering
Where does true conference improvement begin? The conference revitalization process is probably very different than many of your past experiences. It’s so different that we have to view it through new lenses. By taking charge of your own understanding of conference improvement and transformation, you begin a new journey. You are exploring uncharted territory. You are on a discovery adventure. Where Does Your Journey Start So how do you start this journey of conference transformation? … [Read more...]
Time To Face This Ironic Truth: We Do Not Learn From Experience
There, I said it. People do not learn from experience. You may think you learn from experience but… People only learn from reflecting on their experience. That’s the point author, facilitator and educator Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagarajan drives home in his writings and workshops. The Key To Learning From An Experience If people learn from experience, Thiagi stresses, would they make the same mistake over and over again in their life? The key to learning from an experience is thinking … [Read more...]
Your Conference Needs More Joyful Silence
Most conferences emphasize the spoken word. Usually, the aim of a conference is to provide stimulating speakers, fun entertainment, engaging networking, new business leads, great music and healthy food. The conference experience is typically geared to an extrovert, Type-A Personality. But how often do we use the power of silence and solitude in a conference experience? How frequently do we encourage contemplative thought? How common is it for the conference to provide opportunities for … [Read more...]
Why Your Conference Needs A Listening Space
I decided it was a cold coffee type of a morning. A Starbucks Carmel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino would do nicely. Play That Funky Music White Boy! On the drive to the coffee shop, a new funky song came on the radio. It immediately transported me to my high school days. It had that Soul Train kind of funk that makes you want to get up and move to the grove and do the bump! I found myself “car dancing” where you only shake your hips and throw your hands in the air as you drive. On the … [Read more...]
Creating Community, Identity And Reflection With Your Conference Space
Have you ever seen a movie that starts with a fast action scene? Immediately, you are pulled into the middle of things. Screenwriters call this media res or in the middle of a plot. They know that they can pull their viewers into the story by placing the action at the beginning. This same principle can be applied to your conference and its space. Attendees Enter On Action Conference registration areas that are easy to navigate are critical for registrants to feel safe and welcome in a space. … [Read more...]