GoDocent Inc.

I just attended C2 in Montréal. Here is what is trending at the most creative event in the industry. C2 is?not?your usual event.? This event has always wanted to be different. It clearly states that business meetings don’t have to be boring and that we can be creative while being?effective. The destination is part of the?game Tourisme Montréal is heavily involved with the show. They understand its importance to propel creativity and business. They made Grand Quai, a pier for cruise ships, available and stopped the incoming traffic for the event. This destination loves events. Mixing business with creativity This mixture of business and creativity should be the new normal for events.?Too much business turns into a spam fest we want to avoid. Too much creativity and?you won’t be able to justify it to the boss. Leave experiences to the creatives It was evident how creators and artists took control. From activations like sensorial walks, neurodivergent lasagna making, and tapestry sessions to more traditional sessions with a spin. Titles such as How to be Cool, Are You You? Stimulate interest and creativity. Belonging through meetings Braindates were heavily present at C2. They are one-to-one meetings or short group impromptu discussions that fuel a sense of belonging. No event program will match our super-specific interests. The content becomes a connector rather than the protagonist. Microevents? The team read the brief. They embraced microevents, running ‘conferences’. These are 1:30hrs blocks of content with 10/15 minute sessions on a vertical topic. The content is hyper-relevant. These blocks allow you to get all the content you need without feeling FOMO. You are free to wander around and explore other sides of the event. Engagement Every session and activation is an engagement feast. I participated (and won - fair and square) in a games how on AI and sustainability. Exhibitors had lounges instead of booths. Food trucks with a shared seating area made lunch social. I was shocked to see an incredible number of eventprofs on the show floor, despite another industry event in the same week. I am 100% going back to C2. It’s a breath of fresh air. Where will I be next? Tag your guess in the comments.