(highlight:: An event is a culmination of numerous individual moments and experiences
Summary:
An event is the result of combining individual experiences and moments.
Transcript:
Speaker 1
I think individual experiences when stacked together create an event. That's really what an event is, is a bunch of moments and experiences sewed together to create something bigger.)
- Time 0:05:19
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(highlight:: Creating "Peak" Moments at Events is More Important Than Ensuring Nothing Negative Happens
Summary:
Disney is intentional about creating peak moments in their theme parks to keep guests engaged, despite the inevitable negative moments like long lines and expensive food.
By focusing on memorable experiences like meeting favorite characters, going on favorite rides, and seeing parades and fireworks, these positive memories outweigh the negatives and create a lasting impact on guests. Similarly, in any event, identifying and creating peak moments can help people forget or downplay negative experiences.
Transcript:
Speaker 1
I look at the way Disney designs their theme park. They're very intentional about creating some peak moments throughout the experience that you're there that keep you looking forward to the next peak moment, even though they know There can be some bad moments in between. No one really enjoys standing in line. No one really enjoys spending 20 bucks on their hot dog and coke. No one really enjoys keeping Johnny entertained when he is screaming his head off with sticky ice cream on his face. So instead, they know that when Johnny meets, you know, Goofy, let's say Goofy is his hero, when Johnny goes on his favorite ride, he goes to Space Mountain, when Johnny seeds the parade, When Johnny sees the fireworks show at the other night, those are peak memories. And those will outweigh all the negative ones when done well. And we have the same opportunity within an event. If we know what those peak moments are, those things they're going to stand out that people are going to talk about that are going to stick in their brains, those will create this cumulative Effect that will cause them to forget about or diminish the importance of those negative experiences they have.)
- Time 0:30:18
- event planning, experience design,

(highlight:: Creating a Great First Impression at Events By Connecting Attendees Early On
Summary:
A bad first impression at an event can be tough to overcome.
Many events have a cool first impression, but what happens next is crucial. If attendees are left unsure about what to do next, it can create an awkward moment and a negative impression.
It's important to create a great first impression, make attendees feel welcome, and help them connect with the community.
Making new friendships within the first 15 minutes is a powerful indicator of a successful event.
Transcript:
Speaker 1
If you have a bad first impression, it's really hard to overcome. And I think this is a place that many events drop the ball. They might have a cool first impression graphically. When you walk in, there may be some friendly faces behind the desk. I've experienced both in terms of that, like where they're friendly, where they're just, there's someone had to do it and they got roped into it and stuck behind the desk. But what happens right after that moment is in my mind, one of the most critical moments within an event, you get through, you have a badge, you have your bag. Now you're asking yourself, what's next? And if it's not obvious, and there's not this natural movement where you're feeling drawn into what's next, that could be a really awkward moment. And depending on how long that awkward moment lasts can put a negative feeling in people's minds of, I'm wondering if this event is for me or not. So we've got to have ways that we are creating a great first impression, inviting them in and helping them get connected into the community. And usually in my experience, if they don't know people there, this is very different if you're going to a corporate event where you know half the people. But if it's an event where you don't know very many people making some new friendships within those first 15 minutes can be a powerful indicator of the success that they're going to have At the event.)
- Time 0:31:27
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(highlight:: Attention to Detail in Event Planning: Brick and Mortar Framework
Summary:
The difference between a good and unforgettable event lies in the attention given to detail.
Missing the connection between different blocks can ruin the planning. While the bricks represent the visible aspects of the event, the mortar is what holds everything together.
The mortar includes elements like the MC, availability of coffee and Wi-Fi, and easy navigation.
Without mortar, the bricks will fall and the event will lack cohesiveness.
Transcript:
Speaker 1
The difference between a good and an unforgettable event in my mind is the attention to detail along those things. And one of those details that is often overlooked is we as planners will sit with the spreadsheet or one of our programs and we'll say, okay, here's our schedule for the day at eight o'clock. This is happening at nine o'clock. This is happening at 10 o'clock. This is happening, etc. Through the day. And the detail that we're often missing is what's connecting block A to block B and block B to block C. How are those connected to one another that's creating the hole? Like we did a great job planning. Eric is speaking at eight, Jeff speaking at nine, Ian speaking at 10. We know what they're talking about. We know what their session is. And we should put lots of effort into that. This is what I call brick and mortar. Those bricks matter. Those bricks are what the world sees. Those bricks are what people are going to remember. They don't remember mortar. But if you don't have mortar, the bricks are going to fall down and you don't have a wall. And so the mortar is your MC. The mortar is do you have coffee available on that break as they go from point A to point B. The mortar is do you have Wi-Fi available if you're if one of the goals is people need to be able to do work while they're there. Do they either have access to cell coverage or Wi-Fi? The mortar is the details of how they're getting from here to here. Is it easy to find my way? You know, we're talking about the video game. Is it easy to figure out how do I get from room 101 to room 233?)
- Time 0:40:43
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(highlight:: The Importance of Buffer Times at Events
Summary:
It's important to have enough buffer time between required and optional activities, especially for online events.
Participants need a break to use the restroom, get a snack, or step outside for a change of atmosphere. This allows them to refresh and stay engaged.
It's not just about creating a good event, but also considering the personal needs and energy levels of attendees.
Transcript:
Speaker 2
One of the things that I thought that's a really great mortar that I'm always paying attention to is, is there enough buffer time in between either the required things or the optional Things so that, and I'm speaking, especially for online stuff that I've attended. If I know I'm in a training all day, then you better let me have a good 10 at least, but more like 15 to 20 minutes, where I can get up and I can go one, use the restroom to refill my water three, Grab a snack for maybe step outside and feel a different atmosphere for a little bit and wake back up, which is a little bit what you were just referring to. In terms of, you know, we've got ebbs and flows to our energy, we have to allow time as well as our senses to play into, not just the factors of paying attention to creating an event, but Also us personally, that's something else that you know, I've noticed)
- Time 0:44:26
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(highlight:: Stimulation That Can Be Exciting Some People Can Be an Assault for Others
Summary:
Studies on neurodivergence highlight the need for different pathways in light stimulation, sound stimulation, and other sensory experiences.
These can be overwhelming for some and exhilarating for others. Cultural factors also play a role, as events in different regions vary.
It is important to be aware of the context and what is considered normal in each setting.
Transcript:
Speaker 1
I think all the studies that have been coming out lately on neurodivergence show us that we've got to have different pathways in that realm of light stimulation, sound stimulation, All those things can be an assault to some while exciting for others. And culture fits into this too. So an event you're doing in the United States is going to look different than in Europe versus Asia or somewhere else. And so understanding your context in that respect of what's normal,)
- Time 0:47:55
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(highlight:: The Importance of Setting Intention at Events
Transcript:
Speaker 1
Here's the truth, Eric. I don't know if you found this to be true, but when I go to an event, I typically don't walk away with more than three to five things that I'm going to remember and do something about. No matter how much content was shared, or how many days I was there, or how many pages of notes I took, if you were to come to me 30 days later, and research shows this, 90% of what I learned Is going to be forgotten, 90%. And so what's in that 10% that I'm going to remember? Because that's the stuff I need to be intentional about. So if I go in with a plan of, here's three things I'd love to learn. Here's three people I'd love to meet. Here's a couple of conversations I would love to have. And you've set that intention, and you've already put it on a map, and you revisit that maybe even while you're there. You're far more likely to see those things happen, because you're on the lookout for it. You've already alerted your brain that you need to learn these things. So you'll be listening for it. And if somebody asks you, hey, is there someone you need to meet or something you need to learn? You'll know it, how to answer that? You're going to be more likely to be of service to somebody else, because you're going to ask them those questions, because you want them in turn to ask you, and they may or may not. But as you help other people, you're very likely going to find those things that you went in expecting to learn. No matter what, even if it's like this mandatory new employee orientation, or this mandatory, we've got to learn new systems.)
- Time 0:50:46
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