Meeting Planning Innovation

My presentation style is high-energy, with a flair for exploring possibilities and "what if" scenarios. When conference attendees are getting weary, I'm a good choice to wake 'em up, make 'em think, and help 'em dream of something better.

That said, there's only so much high-octane delivery an audience can take in one sitting. I'm now realizing the importance of dialing down the energy every now and then, to serve up a lighter course or palate cleanser to give audiences a chance to reflect and consider how they might apply what they've just heard.

Event Content Design a la Top Chef

On the TV program Top Chef, culinary masters compete to ultimately earn the title of Top Chef. Those contestants who demonstrate mastery over a multitude of categories are usually the ones who advance to the winner's circle.

What lessons can we learn about designing 5-star event experiences from Top Chef?

• Think of the Conference as a Full-Course Meal
  In fine dining, one course complements the next. There are delicate ebbs and flows in the dining experience. Would you serve up a sizzling steak for three courses in a row? Of course not, yet sometimes, we're marching presenters on stage, launching one PowerPoint after the next, without thinking about how the whole "meal" comes together.
• Timing is Everything
  Think about your best fine dining experiences. Without hovering, the waitstaff knew exactly when to clear the last course and bring on the next. By the time the main entree arrived, you were at a feasting crescendo. Are you giving attendees adequate time to consume (and appreciate) one course before serving up the next? Are you paying close attention to their reactions, particularly the non-verbal signals? Are they savoring each bite or rushing to clear their plates to prepare for the next course? 
• Delightful Wine Pairings
  In 5-star dining establishments, most courses are accompanied by a wine or liqueur. Translating this back to the conference world, does your session format complement the topic? Is each speaker operating in a delivery model that's best suited to their strengths? Does your event theme pair nicely with the conference venue?
• The Visual Dazzle Factor
  Top Chefs recognize that taste is just one component of the dining experience. Presentation (plate artistry) often holds equal importance. A stunning table setting can take the dining experience even higher. How are the visuals coming together for your conference event? Does every visual element on stage have a purpose? Do they swirl together to make the right first impression? How about the room decor, the lighting, the seating, and even the background music, as attendees enter the general session room?

With all this Top Chef talk, I glossed over the event catering, menu design, and Food & Beverage elements of your conference event. Then again, you're already at the Top Chef level in those categories. Perhaps it's time to apply that same wisdom to perfect the TOTAL event experience. 
 
Bon Appetit!