Creating Engaging Company Events

Running a conference in the future - please read this. After attending several conferences and events in the last 12 months, I have found myself exhausted and needing a lot of rest afterwards. I have come to realise these spaces are not neuro-inclusive, so I thought I would share some recommendations. 1. Make sensory-safe spaces the norm Not everyone thrives under fluorescent lights or in bustling networking zones. Provide low-stimulation rooms where people can decompress and reset. 2. Build in buffer time Back-to-back sessions can be dysregulating. Create breathing space in the schedule, longer breaks, pauses between sessions, and asynchronous options to allow rest and reflection. 3. Prioritise layout and flow. Overcrowded booths and noisy foyers are inaccessible for many. Offer seating, create pathways with space, and avoid bottlenecks. 4. Offer multiple communication modes. Not everyone processes information the same way. Use visual timetables, captioned content, quiet Q&A formats, and clear signage to support diverse needs. 5. Ask - and respond. Seek feedback from neurodivergent attendees before and after your event. Implement what you learn. Neuroinclusion isn’t a checklist, it’s a commitment to ongoing learning. If you are interested to learn more about creating neuroinclusion spaces... read my latest Substack: https://lnkd.in/gpFhaMCk #neurodivergent #neuroinclusive #conference

MEMBERS ONLY: a new interview series by me, exploring the minds behind the world’s most sought-after experiences. My friend Molly Bridges is making the case for a role most events completely overlook: A dedicated host. As a master of experience design and the Senior Director of Events & Experiences at Bilt Rewards, Molly is behind some of the best events in NYC and SF. But it’s not just good taste, it’s strategy. She engineers these gatherings with a mix of psychology, hospitality, and her background in education, making sure every detail is designed for connection. We got deep into the nuances of event design and how Molly applies Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to design experiences that actually make people feel something. At the core of Molly’s approach is a simple truth: Adults are a lot like kids. We crave routine, structure, and clear expectations, and if those things aren’t in place, no amount of fancy decor will save your event. The Five Needs to Address for a Well-Designed Event 1️⃣ Physiological Needs (The Basics) If your guests are texting you day of asking what to wear or where to go, you've already lost them. Great events start before they even show up, with clear, actually helpful communication. Tell them what to wear, where to go, when to arrive, and make it easy. Email marketing isn’t just for hype; it’s there to eliminate confusion. If people are second-guessing the details, the event is already off to a bad start. 2️⃣ Safety (Feeling Comfortable & Welcome) First impressions set the tone. Signage should be obvious, ppl should never feel lost in the space physically and they should feel connected emotionally. That means a host that knows their name, greets them at the enterance. Take a page from Anna Wintour, who has an assistant at every event whispering key guest intel in her ear. A great host isn’t just friendly, they’re prepared. Know people's names, greet them like they matter, and watch how the energy of the entire event shifts. 3️⃣ Love & Belonging (Fostering Connection & Community) Smart seating makes or breaks a room(see my Members Only on Jake Sacks). Structured intros cut the awkwardness, and intentional space design, cozy nooks, group seating, natural gathering spots, does the rest. No forced networking, just effortless conversation. 4️⃣ Esteem Needs (Ensuring People Feel Seen & Valued) An event should exceed expectations. Deliver what you promised…Did guests meet someone interesting? Did they gain what they came for and more? Whether it’s networking, learning, or community-building, the experience should feel intentional and worth their time. 5️⃣ Self-Actualization (Scaling Magic While Keeping It Personal) Anyone can pull off one great event. The real challenge? Scaling experiences without losing intimacy. A strong brand identity and structured playbook ensure that every gathering feels personal, even at scale. 🔹 🔹 🔹 If you’re not already following Molly Bridges, you should be.

Gentle reminder if you're planning a networking event: you should structure that networking more than you think. I keep seeing event hosts promote their gatherings with some version of this: "No agenda. No talking points. Just meaningful connections and open dialogue." But "no agenda" is not a feature. It's the host stepping back from the most important part of their job: to craft an experience that's welcoming and seamless for guests to participate in. Without some structure, guests are left to fend for themselves, and what should feel natural ends up feeling forced. Meaningful connections don’t just spark themselves. I know: no one wants to feel like they're running their guests through a rigid program. In her essential book "The Art of Gathering," Priya Parker describes this common trap: as hosts, we feel like we shouldn’t impose on our guests, so we decide it's better to just be a chill host and let them manage themselves. But if you want your attendees to have a great experience, you must be willing to be the uncool parent. You have to tell them what to do. When designing your next event agenda, don't settle for "informal networking." Instead, give your guests low-risk, relevant conversation starters plus simple directions for using them. Good prompts create an instant way for guests to connect not just with each other, but also with the topic of your event and with their own experiences with it. This is especially crucial at the start, when everyone's coming in cold from different places and counting on you to bring them together. Simple openers won't make conversations feel contrived. They just remove the barriers to entry. So if you want a chill networking environment, don't be a chill host. Set them up with a framework for connecting, and you'll show them they're in good hands.

Great reminder for those among us who lean toward extroversion...not everyone finds long periods of unstructured interaction to be "energizing" or "fun" (and, in fact, many experience the opposite in these situations). A few tips for facilitating events that are purposeful and fulfilling (and low-stress) for both extroverts *and* introverts: 1. Create meaningful opportunities for small group interaction, which can help folks feel less overwhelmed and more inclined to share their ideas and insights. 2. Provide agendas, discussion topics, or questions in advance of the meeting or event. Some folks need the extra processing time in advance (I say this as someone who leans toward extroversion, but also benefits from having time to think before I speak ;) 3. After a meeting or event, invite team members to provide additional feedback or ideas via email or an anonymous survey. Recognize and discuss these contributions in follow-up meetings, ensuring that introverted voices are heard and valued. #Leadership #Facilitation #Work #Meetings

ELEVATE came to life in Singapore. And it left me with 5 lessons I want to hold on to. ELEVATE was an urban retreat rooted in stillness, connection, and reflection. Before I move on to what’s next, I wanted to pause and share what made it work. Whether you’re leading a team offsite, hosting a retreat, or preparing for your biggest meeting of the year, these 5 things made the difference. They helped people feel clear, focused, and connected. They take preparation, but they’re worth it ✨ _ 1️⃣ Prepare your energy like it’s part of the plan. I didn’t just plan the flow, I planned myself. For a month before flying to Singapore, I focused on sleep, movement, and being at my healthiest. When people give up their weekend to attend your event, you owe them *your best*. Even with 12 hours of jet lag. 2️⃣ Start with structure, and softness. We opened with calm. A clear schedule. A moment to breathe. A short meditation to help everyone arrive. People don’t relax until they feel grounded, until they can let go of their to-do list and feel a little less tense. So before anything else: create that feeling of ease. Even in a big meeting, starting with a question like “What do we want to walk away with today?” can shift people from rushing in, to actually tuning in. 3️⃣ Don’t just schedule breaks, design them. At ELEVATE, our breaks were as long as our sessions. Not just for coffee or resetting the room. They were space to chat, laugh, and connect in real ways. Because the moments people remember most often happen between the ones you planned. And here’s the thing: people don’t just come to see you. They come to be with each other. That’s what makes it in-person. That’s what makes it matter. 4️⃣ Let people feel, not just learn. Music. Laughter. Stillness. Movement. People didn’t just take notes, they softened. They exhaled. They laughed. Some cried. Because when people feel something, they remember it. That’s what makes an experience stay. 5️⃣ End with calm, not clapping. We closed with yoga and sound, not speeches. A few participants said, “I wish it were three or four days.” I didn’t take that as a complaint. It meant they wanted more. And that’s the best kind of ending. We often hear that events should end on a high note. But sometimes, it’s the quiet, the ease… the “I get it now.” That’s what really stays with people. _ If you lead teams, host offsites, or bring people together, I hope this gives you something to carry into your next event. _ To everyone who showed up, thank you 🙏 We don’t need more noise. We don’t need to escape somewhere remote. We need more moments that bring us home to ourselves. To my incredible partners, especially Andaz Singapore, I'm deeply grateful. — More reflections from ELEVATE are coming soon, including a spotlight on the amazing guest speakers who made it even more special! And if you’re curious about bringing ELEVATE into your organization,  Let’s talk ❤️

Let’s Talk About Joy in Events—Where Is It? We’ve all been there. You’re at a concert, game, or festival, excited and full of anticipation, only to find yourself waiting in long lines, navigating confusing layouts, or feeling a bit underwhelmed by what’s on offer. Overall, you still have a great time, but being slightly uncomfortable is something we’ve just learned to accept as part of the experience. #thestruggleisreal As organizers, the last thing you want is for these pain points to turn into frustration. As brand owners, these moments can leave a lasting impression that’s hard to shake off. But what if these moments of frustration were opportunities to create joy instead? Imagine This: - Long lines? How about surprising people with a little entertainment while they wait—a pop-up performance, a game, or even a random giveaway? Suddenly, waiting becomes part of the fun. - Hot Summer Day? How can you make guests more comfortable? Can you provide shade and cool summer treats to help attendees cool down? - Confusing layouts? What if we had more intuitive, playful signage that not only directs people but makes them smile? A little bit of humor can go a long way in making navigation part of the experience. - Underwhelming experiences? Instead of one-size-fits-all content, why not create smaller, diverse experiences that cater to different interests, allowing guests to program their day according to their tastes and find something they love? Where are the pain points you’ve noticed at events you’ve attended? What’s your biggest pet peeve, and how do you think it could be turned into a joyful moment? Designing for joy can transform the entire experience. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Photo: Adult Swim On The Green At San Diego Comic-Con - Shade Structure. #ExperienceDesign #EventInnovation #CustomerExperience #LiveEvents #EventPlanning #AudienceEngagement #JoyfulExperiences #EventStrategy

Here are 10 ways to ensure your events next week stay focused on your audience and not your funnel. [because your booth, dinner, or coffee truck shouldn’t feel like just another Zoom meeting] 1. Start with your why → If your event prep with your team stays too focused on things like MQL goals, you’re setting your team up to interact that way. Lead with: “What experience do we want our audience to feel?” 2. Staff for hospitality, not speed → People remember how you interacted more than what you said. At a booth or coffee cart, lead with: “How’s your day going?” Not “Who are you with?” 3. Think of dinner like dining, not demoing → Don’t make them sit through 30 minutes of product intros before their first bite. That’s not a “VIP experience.” It’s a bait-and-switch. 4. Cut the meeting lingo from your event prep → This is not a pipeline call. Your CTA isn’t “next steps,” it’s “stay in touch” (if it feels right). 5. Don’t overcomplicate the experience → Offer something enjoyable (don’t over-index on whether or not it’s “unique”). It will be memorable if it’s enjoyable. 6. Remember: events aren’t meant to feel like transactions → If it feels transactional, it is. Forgot to scan a badge or take a photo with the person? Jot down what you remember to reach out later. In my experience, it’s more likely they’ll reach out on their own, as the conversation felt different from others who prioritized the transaction over the experience. 7. Treat your field team like storytellers, not SDRs → Arm them with conversation starters, not qualification questions. You’re IRL, not on a recorded Zoom call. Ditch the script. 8. Respect the space between interest and intent → Not everyone is ready to talk shop on the showroom floor. That’s okay. Events like these are designed for 6-month+ attribution. Small talk, shared interests, this is the talk-time average we need to lean heavy on. 9. Don’t overcomplicate dinner intros → Use place cards with titles and company logos. Let conversation unfold naturally. Please, no more round-the-horn sales pitches here. 10. Close out with gratitude, not a gated follow-up → A timely, thoughtful thank-you note that keeps all of the above in mind vs. a clearly veiled forced meeting request follow-up wins out 👏 every 👏 time. 

The hidden science of venue and on-site experience management is crucial in our industry. Often, we discuss "crowd control" as a reactive measure, but true management is proactive and intuitive. It’s the silent architecture of an environment that shapes how a fan feels upon approaching the venue. Every space has a psychological "tipping point." If a fan notices a flickering bulb, a pile of trash in a corner, or a staff member distracted on their phone, a subconscious switch flips. They transition from feeling like a privileged guest in a professional space to sensing they are in an ‘anonymous free-for-all’ with no consequences. People treat an environment according to how it is designed, maintained, and operated. If your operation resembles a sophisticated, high-performance ecosystem, fans will instinctively align their behavior with that precision. Conversely, if the ecosystem appears fractured and staff seem indifferent, fans will reflect that lack of care. To maintain this "Stage," I adhere to four non-negotiable standards: 1. The Foundation of Safety: Consistent and seamless entry with a tight perimeter reduces fan anxiety and establishes expectations. A calm fan is a respectful fan. 2. The Culture of Courtesy: Professionalism is a mirror. When our team treats every interaction as a performance, the audience reciprocates that respect. 3. The Visual Standard: From the crispness of a uniform to the shine on the concourse floor, every detail contributes to the "Show." We clean not just for tidiness but to signal that this space is governed and valued. 4. The Precision of Flow: Efficient processes from the box office to concessions maintain a disciplined atmosphere. My Golden Rule: The experience is the sum total of the details we manage. Allowing small details to slide indicates that we might not have the bigger ones covered, inviting the crowd to shift from good behavior. For a world-class atmosphere, we must engineer and uphold the integrity of our high-performance ecosystem. Respect the details, and fans will follow your lead

For 3-years I’ve hosted a no-BS, invite-only dinner for leaders to break bread and build relationships. Most networking events suck. For real. They’re awful. Forced small talk, sales pitches, and rooms full of people who just want to talk about themselves. Nobody actually connects. Nobody actually learns anything. That’s why I started hosting invite-only dinners for marketing, design, product, and tech leaders. No sponsors. No awkward icebreakers. Just real conversations over good food. If you want to do the same, here’s how. Step 1: Personally Invite People (No Automation, No AI) If you can’t take the time to text, DM, or email someone yourself, don’t do this. No mass invites, no event software. Keep it personal, keep it human. Step 2: Pay for It. No Sponsors. No Sales Pitch. If you try to monetize this, you’ve already lost. People can smell an agenda a mile away. The best way to make this work? Make it not about business. Just bring people together and let things happen organically. Step 3: Get a Private Room. No Cameras. No Recording. Public restaurants are too loud. Private spaces create real conversations. No one should be filtering what they say because they think it’ll end up on LinkedIn. Make it exclusive, keep it off the record. Step 4: Let People Order What They Want Catering sounds good in theory. In reality, you’ll get it wrong. Someone’s keto, someone’s gluten-free, someone just wants fries. Let people order for themselves and avoid the headache. Step 5: Keep It Small 10-15 people max. Anything bigger turns into a networking event, and that’s not what this is. Keep it intimate so people can actually connect. Step 6: Be the Connector Your job isn’t just hosting. It’s matchmaking. At the end of dinner, tell everyone: “Find someone here you want to grab coffee with. If you need an excuse, blame me.” Make it easy for people to stay in touch. Step 7: No Branding. No Name Tags. No Corporate Vibes. This isn’t a “leadership roundtable” or some LinkedIn influencer’s personal brand play. It’s just a dinner. Keep it low-key. Step 8: Focus on Stories, Not Titles No elevator pitches. No bragging. The best conversations come from real stories.. especially failures. The more honest, the better. Step 9: Do It Again (But Keep It Small) If it works, do it again. Rotate in new faces, keep the guest list fresh, and never let it turn into a sales funnel. No automation. No scaling. No BS. Just real people, having real conversations, over real food. Onward & upward! 🤘