Day 5/30: PHENOMENAL EVENTS - Part 1
Ekta Tejwani
People & Teams | Talent Hedge Fund | Ex-Founder - Community Matchmaking Mothers & Mother:Founder | FemTech | Mentor @ NUS | Female Entrepreneur 2021 SEA Award | ALIBABA HK Top 10 Startup | Well Design Life
The Transformative Role of Meetmumz Events
Today marks another chapter in the ever-evolving story of MeetMumz, and I couldn't help but dive deep into the reflections that surfaced. It's a tale of empowering mothers through what we've come to call "Phenomenal Events." The transformative role these gatherings play in the lives of our community members, and dare I say, in mine too, is profound.
The inception of MeetMumz was a humble endeavor, born from the idea of creating a space that transcends the virtual world for mothers. Little did I envision that our events would become the heartbeat of this vibrant community, breathing life into shared experiences and, yes, a fair share of mistakes and triumphs.
Community building, I've learned, is not just about bringing people together; it's an art form. MeetMumz events are living proof of the significance of weaving a shared identity among mothers from diverse backgrounds. Each event became a thread in the fabric of our collective journey, entwined with partnerships, challenges, and lessons that shaped the very essence of our community.
Partnerships, much like unexpected patterns emerging in a mosaic, became integral to our events. They weren't just tools for growth; they were bridges connecting us with kindred spirits who shared our vision, enriching the texture of our shared experience. With one purpose of serving, some of these partnerships have been so strongly etched into a relationship till today, 5 years in the making!!
With each event, the concept of networking for mothers transcended the mundane. It evolved beyond playdates and casual interactions, becoming a platform for remarkable women to connect on a profound level, exchanging insights, and broadening their social circles.
Education and knowledge sharing were foundational elements woven into the very core of our events. In the realm of motherhood, where knowledge is indeed power, our events transformed into hubs of learning. Mothers accessed valuable information, learned from experts, and contributed their unique experiences, forming a rich mosaic of wisdom.
And then there's personal development—a thread dedicated to recognizing the multifaceted nature of mothers. Our events, crafted with a focus on personal development, became spaces where mothers invested in themselves, fostering self-reflection, growth, and the pursuit of individual passions.
As I pen down these thoughts, it's not lost on me that MeetMumz events are not just occasions; they are potent catalysts for positive change in the lives of mothers. Each event is a chapter in the mosaic of empowerment, unity, and strength that emerges when mothers come together.
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Yet, nestled within these chapters are the tales of mistakes, the unintended knots in our mosaic that demanded attention and care. Acknowledging these missteps has been essential for growth and improvement. Some learnings that I recall..
Mistake #1: Underestimating Logistics. In the early days, logistical oversights led to moments of chaos. I've learned that thorough planning and attention to detail are non-negotiable, working from the start on having a Plan B in terms of Locations can help elevate unwanted stresses. Venue Locations become Partnerships unless they stick to remaining only ONE TIME EXPIRED EXPERIENCES.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Audience Diversity. Recognizing and catering to the varied needs of our audience became a pivotal learning. Tailoring events that ensure inclusivity and resonance, across the different stages of motherhood and entrepreneurship, different backgrounds, interests, needs and catering to what your audience is exactly looking for, helped elevate the user experience across all levels.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Pre-Event Engagement. Building anticipation and involving the community in the event's preparation phase creates a sense of ownership among participants. Having Pre-Event Meetups with Partners and volunteers, A run of Practise Sessions with Speakers, and a Full Walk Down surely helps to put timings, placement, and things in perspective!!
Mistake #4: Lack of Flexibility. Embracing the unexpected can lead to the most authentic moments. It's bound that one aspect of an event will not work in your favor. Flexibility and Adaptability to the next best solution available are equally crucial to a well-thought-out plan.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Feedback. Actively seeking and analyzing feedback is a compass for continuous improvement. It's a goldmine of insights to refine our future events. On-the-Spot Feedback, Follow Ups, And Incentivising for Providing feedback work a long way in respecting your audience's time, energy, and thoughts!
Mistake #6: Ignoring Self-Care. In the pursuit of creating phenomenal events, neglecting well-being has many times taken its toll. I've learned that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for sustained enthusiasm and creativity. If boundaries are not set, the burnout and overwhelm impact in the much longer run!
These mistakes, like uneven patches in our mosaic, have become stepping stones to growth. Each misstep has illuminated a facet of event hosting that demanded attention and refinement. The journey continues, and with each event, I embrace the opportunity to apply these lessons, weaving MeetMumz events into transformative experiences.
Here's to the art of empowering mothers, the lessons learned, the connections made, and the endless possibilities.
Next in line, let me dig way deeper into the lessons learned in Online and In-Person Events!