Creating an event that stands out from the crowd is no small feat. As event organizers, we’re constantly searching for ways to elevate our gatherings and create memorable experiences for our attendees.
Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Nick Borelli, a seasoned event professional who lives at the intersection of tech and events. Our conversation revealed powerful insights that can help you transform your next event into an unforgettable experience.
Embracing Your Inner Superhero
Just like the superheroes in comic books, event organizers have unique powers that set them apart. The key is identifying and leveraging these strengths to create truly exceptional experiences. Here’s how you can tap into your inner event superhero:
1. Discover Your Unique Differentiator
What makes you different from every other event organizer out there? It’s not enough to say you’re detail-oriented or organized – those are essential skills in our industry. Instead, look beyond your event skills to identify what makes you truly unique.
For example, I’m a musician, speaker, and former pastor. These experiences shape how I approach event planning and give me a unique perspective that others may not have. What’s your special sauce?
2. Embrace Your Passion and Curiosity
Nick emphasized the importance of passion and curiosity in event planning. What aspects of your work ignite your enthusiasm? What are you endlessly curious about?
Perhaps you’re fascinated by the community you serve and want to know everything about their needs and challenges. Or maybe you’re passionate about using events to solve global problems. Whatever it is, let that passion and curiosity drive your event planning decisions.
3. Build Your Justice League
Remember, even superheroes don’t work alone. As Nick pointed out, “When you try to be like everyone else, then you mute the unique potential of your team.”
Instead of trying to do everything yourself or hiring people just like you, build a diverse team that complements your strengths. Look for team members who bring different perspectives and skills to the table. This diversity will enhance your event designs and help you create more inclusive, well-rounded experiences.
Designing Events with Purpose
Once you’ve identified your unique strengths and assembled your team, it’s time to focus on creating purposeful events. Here’s how:
1. Define Your Mission
Every superhero has a mission, and so should every event. As Nick suggested,
“Really do a lot of work on your mission, vision and values… If you see people are doing it because they’re actually fulfilling what they’re here to do, you found a great person.”
Take the time to clearly define why you’re organizing this event and what you hope to achieve. This mission will guide your decisions and help attract team members and attendees who share your vision.
2. Design for Your Community
Just as Batman designed his approach to fit Gotham City’s needs, your event should be tailored to your specific community. Nick shared an example of an event organizer who uses a wheelchair, pointing out how standard networking events often fail to consider her perspective.
Consider the diverse needs of your attendees and design your event to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. This might mean rethinking traditional formats or incorporating new technologies to enhance the experience for all participants.
3. Celebrate Your Victories
In the comic book world, The Flash has “Flash Day” – a day dedicated to celebrating his achievements. As event organizers, we often move quickly from one event to the next without taking time to acknowledge our successes.
Create your own version of “Flash Day.” Take time after each event to celebrate what went well, recognize your team’s hard work, and reflect on the impact you’ve made. This not only boosts morale but also helps you identify what worked so you can replicate those successes in future events.
Embracing Innovation and Risk
Finally, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and innovate in your event planning. As Nick pointed out, the events industry offers unique opportunities for creativity and entrepreneurship.
Consider how you can incorporate new technologies, explore unconventional venues, or reimagine traditional event formats. You may recall how Adrienne Dorison bucked the tide by creating a summer camp experience or Vincent Pugliesi built an entire event around the idea of an Unconference. While not every risk will pay off, each one offers valuable lessons that can help you grow and improve as an event organizer.
Remember, creating truly exceptional events isn’t about following a set formula – it’s about embracing your unique strengths, building a strong team, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. By doing so, you’ll not only differentiate yourself in a crowded market but also create experiences that truly resonate with your attendees.
So, event organizers, it’s time to don your capes and embrace your inner superheroes. The world of events is your Gotham City – go out there, defeat all pesky timelines and last minutes changes, and make your events extraordinary!
Contact Nick Borelli on LinkedIn.
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