The problem with predictable events is there’s no surprise. No matter how hard you try it’s “déjà vu all over again. Here are some unexpected ways to make your events unpredictable.

My favorite cartoons begin with the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote and fake Latin terms like accelerati incredibilus and carnivorous vulgaris. If someone gave your events a genus and species, would it be Eventus Genericus?

Generic Events

When was the last time you attended an event or meeting that was different, unpredictable and surprising?

I bet you can type out a General Session agenda in a matter of minutes.

•  Event opens with some sort of video
•  Highest-ranking executive talks for 45 minutes to an hour, filling time up to the coffee break
•  More presentations – all the same length
•  Maybe a few interstitial videos
•  Lunch
•  More presentations – all the same length
•  Concurrent workshops
•  Closing session that coincidentally lasts to cocktails
•  Awards banquet

It’s Like Déjà Vu All Over Again

If you’ve done this event dozens of times, just imagine the attention level of your colleagues or clients in the audience. It’s like attending a meeting in the movie “Groundhog Day”! It’s easy to think that a predictable agenda is more comfortable for audiences because they know what’s happening. But they probably aren’t even paying attention.

It’s also easy to think that delivering the “tried and true” is a safe choice. Predictable conferences and meetings are easier for to plan because the overall experience doesn’t change. They are easier to produce because you essentially take last year’s budget and use it again.

But they aren’t smart.

Playing It Safe Is Dangerous

The problem with playing it safe is that the audience has changed. If they have been alive and walking around with a pulse in the last 12 months, they have new priorities, interests and concerns.

No one holds meetings for losers – the Annual Losers Conference. The people sitting in those stack chairs handle constant change, using their talents, experience, skills and training to manage challenges and obstacles. Respect that. They won’t go mental and dissolve into tears if this year isn’t a carbon copy of last year. They’ve changed, so you have to change, too. There’s no value in a boring, mediocre experience.

Be Unpredictable

The only things that should be predictable about any event are the results

Here are some ideas to get you started:

•  Let audience needs and expectations drive the agenda.
•  Start with session the most important content.
•  Put the things that generate the most critical results first.
•  Let people do things instead of just talking about doing them.
•  Have the presenters come to the audience (and not the other way around).
•  Have the high-interest speaker lead a series of workshops instead of making a keynote.
•  Remember – not every critical message has to come from the General Session stage.

Predictably Unpredictable

Predictable is seldom memorable.

Don’t let your events become generic! I’m not talking about doing the entire meeting in costume, or endless fun and games and coloring books. But if your life isn’t standardized, regimented and totally predictable, why should your meetings and events be?

Freshness, excitement and engagement come from a combination of content, format and agenda. People will not become angry or anxious if you turn things upside down and shake things up. They’ll remember your event and the messages. So don’t be guilty of Eventus Genericus for your next meeting. It’s not like an ACME anvil will come crashing down – no wait, that’s in a Road Runner cartoon – Beep, Beep!

If you want to know more about creating memorable, unpredictable events and strategic content just click on CONTACT US and get in touch.

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