Experiential Conferencing: The Future of Corporate Events?

A significant shift seems to be emerging in the dynamic landscape of corporate events. Traditional indoor conferences, characterised by typical keynote speeches, PowerPoint presentations, and panel discussions, are giving way to a much more immersive and experiential approach.

Having been asked about participating in such an experiential initiative by a major Swiss company, planning to take its management staff on a two-day forest walk and visit made me pause and think. This innovative approach is not just about changing the scenery; it represents a fundamental shift in how we perceive and conduct corporate events.

Experiential conferencing involves taking meetings and conferences out of conventional settings and into environments that stimulate creativity, foster open dialogue, and enhance learning through direct experience. The forest walk planned by the Swiss company will include time for storytelling, open dialogue, and sensory experiences, all designed to break down barriers while encouraging genuine interaction with the delegates and promoting a deeper connection with the environment and each other.

Traditional conferences typically suffer from disengagement, with attendees passive-aggressively listening to mediocre internal speeches seemingly dragging on for hours while sitting in darkened rooms. Experiential conferencing, on the other hand, involves active participation. Walking through a forest, for example, is designed so participants will be more likely to engage in meaningful conversations, share ideas, and collaborate spontaneously with each other and the activity's leaders.

The natural setting removes the formalities of a typical conference room and should foster a more relaxed and open atmosphere. However, it can pose challenges for delegates who are differently abled, and careful consideration must be given to the structure of how the physical agenda, pause breaks, meal times and inclusive interactions are crafted.

Being in nature does have well-documented benefits for mental and physical health. It reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts cognitive function. A forest walk or visit offers a refreshing break from the usual indoor setting, allowing participants to rejuvenate and return to work with renewed energy and focus.

Away from the usual distractions and pressures of the office, participants may be encouraged to engage, think more freely and develop innovative solutions to business issues. The change in scenery can potentially lead to new perspectives and insights that might not emerge in a conventional conference setting.

Experiential conferencing also emphasises teamwork and collaboration—shared experiences in a natural setting might help to build trust and camaraderie among participants. The informal environment could encourage people to open up, share their stories, connect on a deeper level, strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community within the organisation.

New experiences like this potentially make the conference's content more memorable and impactful; participants will likely retain more information due to what they've experienced more effectively.

A shift to experiential conferencing requires internal and professional speakers to adapt their approach and be flexible and adaptable to the dynamic nature of outdoor settings. Adjusting on the fly is crucial in dealing with unpredictable weather, varying acoustics, and the lack of traditional presentation tools.

As traditional lecture-style presentations won't work in an experiential setting, speakers must also develop different interactive and engaging content that encourages participation and dialogue, which could involve storytelling, group activities, and discussions that leverage the natural environment. Personal stories, metaphors, and analogies can become powerful tools.

Everyone in the conference team would need to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the environment of an outdoor event, plan for all contingencies, and ensure they have the necessary equipment and materials to deliver such an event effectively, using portable speakers, visual aids that don't require screens, and other materials that are suited to an outdoor setting, as well as contingency plans for health and safety.

Whether outdoors or indoors, the trend towards experiential conferencing represents a significant evolution in corporate eventing. By moving away from traditional indoor venues and embracing fresh ideas, companies can better enhance engagement, apply sustainable practices, and promote employee well-being. The planned forest walk by the Swiss company is a prime example of this innovative approach.

As a professional speaker, I know this shift presents challenges and opportunities, yet I relish it. Adapting to the demands of experiential conferencing requires me to be more flexible, creative, and focus on even more interactive and emotionally resonant content. By embracing these changes, all of us can endeavour to deliver more impactful and memorable experiences that resonate with our audiences and meet the evolving needs of the corporate world.

As experiential conferencing continues to gain popularity, it promises to transform corporate events into enriching, dynamic, and inspiring experiences.

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