What do you do if your innovative ideas as a Live Events professional aren't reaching stakeholders?

Actively seek feedback from stakeholders on the ideas presented. Listen carefully to their concerns, questions, or objections. Use this feedback to identify gaps in communication or areas that need further clarification or refinement. Constructive feedback can help tailor your approach.

Find the sources where stakeholders receive information and examine readership, and any opportunities for readers to provide feedback or suggestions. Create some alternative ways for stakeholders to feel welcomed to a) provide input; b) have further discussion about the costs versus benefits of what stakeholders express as desirable. Before announcing decisions provide a final opportunity for stakeholders to have meaningful input. an opportunity to add further input.

Reframe your innovative ideas in a way that resonates better with stakeholders' priorities and concerns. Highlight the practical benefits, cost-effectiveness, or potential for enhancing the attendee experience. By repositioning ideas through a lens that matters to stakeholders, you increase the chances of buy-in.

It is essential to reframe them from the stakeholders' perspective. Consider how your ideas align with their goals, whether it's increasing revenue, enhancing attendee experience, or gaining publicity. Tailor your pitch to highlight the benefits and potential outcomes that matter most to them. Additionally, seek feedback from stakeholders to understand their concerns and address them proactively in your proposals. Effective communication and demonstrating the value of your ideas are key to gaining stakeholder buy-in.

In my experience it's crucial to build alliances within the organisation. Start by identifying key decision-makers and influencers who can champion your ideas. Engage with them directly to understand their concerns and priorities, and tailor your approach to address those. Collaborate with colleagues who share your vision and leverage their support to amplify your message. Building strong relationships and alliances can help you gain buy-in from stakeholders and increase the likelihood of implementing your innovative ideas

Identify allies and champions within the stakeholder group who are receptive to innovation. Collaborate closely with them to refine and advocate for your ideas. Leverage their influence and support to gradually bring other stakeholders on board and create a coalition for change.

Develop compelling case studies, simulations, or prototypes that vividly demonstrate the benefits of your innovative ideas. Providing tangible evidence of the potential impact on event experience, efficiency, or ROI can help stakeholders better grasp the value proposition and overcome resistance to change.

Propose running a small-scale pilot project to test and showcase your innovative ideas in action. A successful pilot can provide stakeholders with first-hand experience of the concept's merits, mitigating perceived risks. This practical approach can generate buy-in for wider implementation.

Stay up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. Continuous learning allows you to refine your innovative ideas and present them in a way that resonates with stakeholders' evolving needs and expectations. Demonstrate your expertise and commitment to delivering cutting-edge live event experiences.

On reflection consider refining your communication strategy. Tailor your message to resonate with their priorities and concerns, highlighting the benefits and potential outcomes of your ideas. Actively seek feedback from stakeholders to understand their perspectives and address any concerns or objections they may have. Continuous learning is key; stay updated on industry trends, attend workshops or conferences, and seek mentorship to enhance your skills and adapt to changing circumstances in the events industry.

You can reframe your niche. Sometimes it is not about the product you offer. It may be finding the appropriate audience who can appreciate your unique offerings. On the other spectrum it may be necessary to re-evaluate your product. There may have been growth and change that you did not recognize. Take a step back and objectively identify the challenges and seek feedback.