Sound n' Sight

ECTC11: If You're Not Breaking Things, You're Not Experimenting

I attended and presented at Event Camp Twin Cities last week and what a ride it was.

Like last year, in his welcome address to this year's conference participants, organizer Sam Smith (with co-organizer Ray Hansen standing by) again explained that ECTC is all about experimentation. "If you're not breaking things, you're not experimenting," he said. 

Well that's all well and good when things go smoothly as they did last year for ECTC. But this year, was an even bolder experiment on many levels. This year the conference lasted two days, included three times as many pods, two different tracks in different rooms, gamification, and more. 

From the beginning, Sam and Ray were determined to push the envelope because that is what experimentation is. 

Successes and Failures

Some of these experiments were a success: dual news desk virtual emcees; Facebook "like" stations; more interactive sessions about innovations in events and pecha kucha style presentations followed by discussion groups all added to the experience.

And this time some of the experiments failed. Most notably, technical difficulties interfered with the live stream and pod skype connections. 

Some of the pod participants were frustrated because this year technical problems prevented them from having a face to face conversation with the on-site participants. In addition, some found the vast array of content, speakers and game directions overwhelming and difficult to focus on. 

For the most part, I feel the complaints are valid. But the spirit of these complaints should be considered because they point to a difficult truth that we in the event industry must address if we are to actually implement the improvements so many of us espouse.

Why Progress is So Difficult

We event industry professionals are perfectionists.  Because we've seen proof that experimentation does lead to innovation, we'll pay lip-service to its value all day long.  But when it actually comes to failing publicly, do we have the guts to follow through and support such efforts?

Those in the internet technology field have learned that failing publicly is how you succeed more quickly. Just look at the way they Beta test their apps. They suffer complaints, but in the end, it's worth it to be able to develop a better product in less time.

We in the events industry are so very concerned with how things look - and rightly so. How things look is our bread and butter.  BUT, have you ever wondered why no matter how many articles are written or presentations given or discussions take place on how adults learn best, how the brain works, why you should include remote experiences at your live event, etc, etc - the vast majority of meetings and events remain the same as they were 30 years ago?

To my mind the answer is that event professionals, for the most part, are risk averse AND we have very few opportunities to test new formats or technology. When it comes to progress, being very concerned with how things look is a major handicap.

Event Camp: Where Experimentation is Safe

From the beginning, Event Camp has positioned itself as a place where event professionals can go to experience new formats and technology; where experimentation is welcome.  This, and the fact that it remains amazingly affordable in the event world of big-ticket association dues and registration fees, is a major reason we are drawn to it.

Whether our experiments succeed or fail, there is tremendous opportunity for learning in all of this. We will only evolve as an industry if we are growing and trying new things.  Event Camp is one place where experimenting is seen as safe. 

Of course there will be a certain amount of nasty criticism that does not recognize that we are all on the same team.  Innovators must build a thick skin to shield themselves from this if they are going to keep innovating. 

But, we can help to protect Event Camp as a treasured asset to the future of our industry and a sanctuary for those who want to keep exploring, by supporting those who are brave enough to step up and fail publicly. 

Though some may say that calling Event Camp an "experiment" is a crutch, I will continue to support such experiences that allow us to learn and fail publicly. We need them. And be honest,  how many event professionals do you know who are lazy slackers, particularly in the #eventprofs community? These are the people who are trying to improve meetings and events. To improve, you have to try new things. And if you're not breaking things, at least on occasion, you can't be doing much experimenting.

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