01 Jun 11 Break out of the boring and go for unforgettable at your next meeting
At every conference and corporate meeting, attendees are crammed into a hotel ballroom or conference center and basically told what they are expected to do. Whether its motivating them to do something, teaching them to do something different, or setting expectations for what you envision them doing, the message remains the same; you are telling them to change their ways because yours is better. That’s the main point behind David Gurteen’s article We must stop doing things to people. He goes on to say that “we need to approach people with ‘How can we work better together?’.”
Although I agree that attendees are more likely to be receptive to change if they feel they took part in creating the final outcome, I couldn’t help but think of how the overall environment of the typical conference/corporate meeting is really not conducive to team-building or thought sharing.
Same ole, same ole approach doesn’t work
To start with, the mere cookie cutter approach to these events already sets the mind on auto pilot before attendees even arrive. Once there, attendees are herded from reception to meeting to meal and back to meeting, only to have the same pattern repeated for the duration of the event. Free time is generally spent checking voicemails and emails, with little time for social interaction. The formula, although standard, really leaves no room for engagement, team building or real interaction.
The solution is simple: turn the formula inside out into something that works. What is the antithesis to a boring traditional hotel ballroom? How about a state of the art meeting center in the middle of the ocean? The word cruise ship alone instills an excitement that no hotel can replicate. From the minute guests receive the invitation for a meeting at sea, they know this is not a typical meeting. This isn’t just a meeting, it’s an adventure. It is THAT enthusiasm that will provide you with an audience that is receptive and engaged.
Inspire, excite and engage in new ways
Once there, it’s time to tap into that excitement by creating programs that not only educate but also facilitate the sharing of insights that will make your organization that much stronger. With a variety of theaters, meeting rooms and lounges available for private functions, your sessions don’t have to be detached and sterile. Instead, you can use this opportunity to bring together the various areas of your organization that have gathered and constructively develop new ways to take your business to new heights.
Part of the problem with the “old formula” is that nobody wants to sit all day and be talked to. On a ship, you don’t have to. Cruise ships offer a unique setting for team building activities such as zip lines, wave riding machines, golf and other sporting activities. Exotic ports of call also allow for specialized excursions and additional group opportunities.
The goal of a conference or meeting should be to inspire and reinvigorate employees (coming back with a tan doesn’t hurt either). A meeting at sea not only does that but accomplishes so much more as well. It’s a bonding experience unlike any other and certainly not one that will be forgotten any time soon.
Tags: Antithesis, Attendees, Audie, Auto Pilot, Cookie Cutter Approach, Cruise Ship, Engagement Team, Excitement, Free Time, Gurteen, Hotel Ballroom, Invitation, Little Time, Meeting At Sea, Meeting Center, Middle Of The Ocean, Rsquo, Social Interaction, Team Building, Traditional Hotel, Typic, Typical Conference, Voicemails
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