??Day 6/30: PHENOMENAL EVENTS : The Evolution

As I delve into the intricacies of organizing events, both in the tangible world of in-person gatherings and the dynamic realm of online interactions, I am reminded that this journey demands a delicate dance of planning, engagement, and purposeful execution. It's an art, a symphony of focus, creativity, logistics, and curated experiences tailored to meet the unique needs of my audience.

The Evolution

My canvas for crafting remarkable events starts behind the scenes, with the trusted companions of Excel and Notion. These platforms, renowned for their colossal master sheets, become the playground where I mold event maps, Gantt charts, and a myriad of details—from speaker profiles to meticulously crafted messaging blurbs, vendor/sponsor details, goodie bags, social media calendars and all things under the sun related to the event. A Right Excel Sheet, marks the inception of my voyage in bringing extraordinary events to life.

Mapping the Purpose

The heartbeat of any event lies in its purpose. For me, events are a manifestation of what energizes and connects me at a profound level. The ideal scenario isn't just about excitement but a purpose that fuels my journey. What I wish to achieve for participants goes beyond the event itself—feeling empowered, connected, clarity of thought, feeling confident, taking home tangible value, being heard, understood, upskilled, inspired, and energized. It's a delicate balance of hand-holding and providing a bit of everything.

Clarity about the purpose and the target audience is paramount in event planning. Defining who the event is for, outlining its purpose, and identifying the audience's expectations ensures that the event delivers unparalleled value. Knowing what you don't want is as crucial as knowing what you do, keeping the event aligned with its mission.

My Role as a Host/Emcee

In my role as an event host, I've become adept at the delicate art of balancing authority and empathy. Authority is the compass that confidently guides the event, takes calculated risks, and gracefully redirects resistance back to my vision. Empathy, on the other hand, is my superpower, allowing me to decode nuanced feedback and adjust as needed in service to participants.

The mastery of this dance between empathy and authority is a lifelong pursuit, with moments when one takes precedence over the other. As the event host, I consciously navigate both realms—steering with confidence, establishing ground rules, creating a safe space, and maintaining unwavering authority, all while cultivating a warm and welcoming environment. Sometimes, I become the gatekeeper, the moderator, the facilitator, or simply a member of the audience, adapting as the event unfolds.

The Format

Events take on various shapes and sizes, from playdates to activity-based sessions, conferences to online webinars and seminars, spanning from local gatherings to those across continents. Each template contributes to crafting unique and unforgettable experiences.

Crafting Event Content and Flow

Part 1: Welcome | Part 2: The Value | Part 3: The Ambassadors

Part 1 sets the stage, elevating the event from the start with engaging ice-breaker activities, mindfulness exercises, or opportunities for movement. Creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging.

Part 2 focuses on delivering value. It's a transaction—time, energy, and, in the case of paid events, money, in exchange for a purposeful experience. Overdelivering on content ensures a lasting impression, especially for first-time attendees. It's a journey that goes beyond the event, impacting the brand and authenticity.

Part 3, the ambassadors, marks the event's conclusion. Allocating time to confirm key learnings and express gratitude for those who become ambassadors outside the event space ensures a positive and meaningful experience for all participants.

The Importance of the Team

Yet, in this symphony of planning and purpose, there's a crucial ensemble that plays an indispensable role—the team. No amount of meticulous planning can lead to a successful event without the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team. From event coordinators and designers to tech support and on-site staff, each member contributes a unique melody to the overall harmony.

The evolution of an event, be it online or in person, hinges on the collective brilliance of individuals who bring their skills, passion, and dedication to the table. As the conductor of this orchestra, the fact that the team is the backbone, pillar, and facilitator ensuring that every detail is executed flawlessly, it is their commitment that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Some ?? Amazing Tools We Love for Online Hosting Of Events:

1. Mentimeter: Transform presentations with built-in QR codes.
2. "The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer: A must-read for decoding how people think, lead, and collaborate across cultures.
3. Hofstede Insights: Quickly compare cultural values across different countries.
4. Creating a Free IG Website: Elevate online presence with biosites.com/signup.
5. Word Cloud Creation: Engage the audience with visually stunning word clouds at www.wordclouds.com.
6. The Waterfall: Create a synchronized waterfall of comments in the chat for an engaging experience.
7. Use breakout rooms: Allow members to discuss questions related to the content.
8. Ask someone ahead of time to open with a favorite quote.
9. Ask someone to bring a question of the day.
10. Share an affirmation for someone else in the group.
11. Create a space for a select few to connect and kickstart a conversation or have an pre-event + post-event meetup.
12. Recognize or celebrate someone’s work.
13. Invite others to share.
14. Invite participants to read slides for you.
15. Invite someone to share their experience or story ahead of time or in the moment.
16. Use Slido for collaborative polls.

In this journey of orchestrating phenomenal events, these tools are the magic wands that weave together the tapestry of extraordinary experiences. Until the next diary entry, may the events continue to unfold with purpose and brilliance.