And why I want to recreate it.
So, as you probably know, I’ve hosted a lot of events in my life. Large and small. When I tell you about my all time favorite you might have a few visions in your mind. You might be thinking this was a huge event. Maybe it included celebs or industry leaders. It probably had a massive budget with amazing tech and swag and all that jazz. You might guess there was a detailed agenda and guests were provided highly polished materials. When you think of the presenters and speakers you might be thinking, big names and high profile thought leaders. You may envision great entertainment and beautiful meals created by accomplished chefs. And you would be wrong, on all accounts.
My all time favorite event hosted 11 attendees, including myself and my planning assistant. It took place in a rented 11 bedroom house on the beautiful beach of Isle of Palms, SC. All of our meals were prepared by the men and women attending the event. Entertainment included, StoryTime, Improv and great conversations. And a ghost. (More on that later.)
Each day’s events began over coffee in the kitchen while a couple of attendees prepared breakfast. Think Big Chill, minus the dead friend. After everyone returned from their morning run, walk, shower, etc. we gathered to begin our formal part of the day. Which included finding a place on the giant leather sectional.
The attendees were all professional trainers or training to become a professional trainer. They each came prepared with a 10 minute training presentation they would deliver to the group. One person would present at a time. Their presentation was video recorded for their own use. Those not presenting, feverishly took notes to critique the content and delivery. Following each 10 minute presentation came a 30-40 minute feedback session. The presenter was given detailed feedback from each of the other attendees. It was intense. It was powerful. And it was life-changing for some.
In addition to these presentations, some trainers delivered special sessions over the 3 days such as storytelling, keynoting or improvisation. The improv session took place on the wide expanse of the wrap-around porch overlooking the pool and beach.
In the evenings, one pair of attendees would prepare dinner. The others would gather on the porch with a glass of wine to share stories, test new material and continue the great dialogue of the day. After dinner we would gather again for a round of StoryTime, a fun and powerful way to review the days content, build your improve muscle and laugh until you cry.
The event I just described was Training Camp, an annual train-the-trainer gathering of the team of professional trainers that I coached and managed.
What Made This Event So Special
There are many elements that made this event special, not only to me but to everyone who attended. These are at the top of the list.
Isolation
Gathering in an isolated space forced us all to be together. It’s like the conversations that happen in the hallway of a conference – times 100. Imagine asking a colleague you respect for advice while you enjoy your morning coffee on the beach watching the sunrise. Those conversations don’t happen when everyone goes back to their hotel room each night and shows up in the classroom the next morning.
Trust
Everyone attending was in the same position of vulnerability, learning and trust. We arrived open to learn and improve. No one was exempt from participation, including me, and no one was positioned above another.
Laughter
This is the element that you cannot manufacture. But as a good facilitator you can create opportunity to allow people to fully let go and be themselves. That’s where laughter thrives, in the moments of complete release of ego. And trust me, in a room full of professional speakers – there is a lot of ego. But not during this event, the egos were checked at the door. Another bonus of all living in a house together, we see each other’s humanness.
Respect
Standing in front of a group of peers and receiving feedback is not easy. When that feedback is delivered sincerely, with great detail and from someone you respect, it’s gold.
Lasting Results and Impact
This event first took place 12 years ago. It changed some attendees lives forever. The lasting results came from immersion and practice and execution. And as professional trainers, these attendees took that knowledge and used it for good to impact the lives of thousands of others.
Why I Want To Recreate This Event
I don’t necessarily mean recreate this event specifically, although I would love that. REALLY!
I mean, recreate the feelings of camaraderie, trust, joy and lasting change that came as a result of that event. These are the intentions I set and outcomes I look for whenever I’m planning an event.
This is also how I start my work with any client getting ready to design and deliver an event. Above all, they will be clear about what they want their audience to take away at the end of the program. And of course, how they personally want to feel.
If attending an event like this is of interest to you, I’d love to hear from you. I’m thinking about hosting something like this for entrepreneurs who host learning events.
OH, the ghost!
On the last night of this first Training Camp we experienced a strange series of events including the ceiling falling in on the room we had been meeting in. It was the result of a AC leak. Then I was awoken in the night by a figure pulling the blankets off my bed. It was a young girl, she was not scary, just wanted me to know she was there I guess. I went ahead and booked the house for the next year anyway. A few months later, I got a call from the owners telling me they had to move my event. There had been a fire that started in the children’s room. The house would not be available for us.
Every great event has a great story to tell. This one had several. I hope your event stories leave your guests happy, fulfilled and ready to change the world.
