Conferences should be like theatre....

Planning for corporate events and conferences has started again with the usual demand of: 'We want something a bit different'.

However, when anything 'different' is suggested mouths curl at the edges, noses crinkle, eyebrows raise and the excuses start flowing.

Once we've ruled out the Artaudian and the American Song Book Musical styles of presentation we are back to where we started, which doesn't mean it should be dull and boring.

When you visit the theatre the experience is a whole one. Someone has planned your visit from the moment you book the tickets.

When businesses organise events all they focus on is the 'script', being what they want to say.

Of course, the script is important but so too is the casting, the performance, the set, the lighting, the music, the programme and the venue itself.

So instead of thinking that you want to 'do something different' instead think about just doing an event really well and focussing on the things that contribute to the audience's experience.

Who is the best person to present? What coaching do they need? How can the venue become part of the message and set the right tone? Pick a venue that reflects the values of your business.

I went the to theatre a couple of weeks ago. The show was great but when talking about it with friends we spend more time discussing the food, which wasn't great, and the toilets, also not great. These things matter and they contribute to the overall experience and message.

If you are planning a conference or an event, plan it as if it was a piece of theatre.