What A Serendipitous 5:15 AM Flight Taught Me About Innovation in Live Events

Have you ever noticed how the most profound business insights often come from the most unexpected moments? That's exactly what happened when I boarded an early morning flight from Wichita to Chicago. Did I mention I was sleep deprived?

The Last Person I Wanted to Talk To

Let me confess something: At 5:15 AM, after only two hours of sleep, I'm not exactly Mr. Sociable. As an event professional who specializes in creating meaningful connections, that might sound ironic. But there I was, hoping for a quiet flight when I spotted someone carefully placing a violin in the overhead bin.

My curiosity overcame my introversion. "Are you a professional violinist?" I asked.

That simple question led to one of the most enlightening conversations about audience engagement I've had in my 20+ years in the events industry.

The Power of Breaking Traditional Barriers

My fellow passenger turned out to be Holly Mulcahy , Concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and self-proclaimed disruptor in the classical music world. Her official title? Curator of Audience Engagement and Innovation. Already, I was intrigued.

What followed was a masterclass in how traditional institutions can reinvent themselves for modern audiences. Here are the key insights that resonated deeply with my event experience:

1. The Competition Isn't Who You Think It Is

We often get caught up competing within our industry. But Holly revealed something profound: "We're not just competing with other symphonies. We're competing with Netflix, with compelling storytelling, with convenience."

Sound familiar, event pros?

2. The Multi-Sensory Revolution

Here's where it gets interesting. Holly shared how they're pairing wine tastings with violin concertos and creating food experiences that match musical movements. It's not just about what people hear anymore—it's about creating a complete sensory journey.

3. The Fourth Wall Must Fall

Traditional symphony performances maintained a strict barrier between performers and audience. It's called the "fourth wall." When we break it we have a conversation directly with the audience.

Corporate events also struggle with breaking this wall on our stages--sometimes the audience doesn't know what to do either.

Holly and her team are actively breaking down these walls, creating genuine connections that transform observers into participants.

The Unexpected Lesson

But here's what really struck me: Innovation doesn't always require massive budgets or technological breakthroughs. Sometimes, it's as simple as asking, "How can we make this more human?"

For example, Holly's work bringing classical music into prisons revealed something profound about audience engagement: When you strip away pretense and focus on genuine human connection, magic happens.

What This Means for Event Professionals

As I reflect on that early morning conversation, several actionables emerge for anyone in the events space:

1. Challenge Your Assumptions

What "walls" have you built around your events that might be limiting connection?

2. Embrace Serendipity

Some of the best innovations come from unexpected places. Are you creating space for these moments?

3. Think Beyond Your Industry

Your real competition isn't other event planners—it's Netflix, social media, and anything else vying for your audience's attention.

The Bigger Picture

That sleepy morning reminded me why I love what we do. Whether it's a symphony performance or a corporate event, we're not just organizing gatherings—we're creating experiences that connect people in meaningful ways.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, the ability to create genuine human connections becomes even more valuable. The organizations that thrive will be those that understand this fundamental truth.

A Final Note

Sometimes the best professional insights come not from industry conferences or strategy sessions, but from being willing to start a conversation at 5:15 AM with a stranger carrying a violin.

What unexpected encounters have shaped your professional journey? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below.

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