Whether you’re hosting your first event or your 100th, Priya Parker has simple advice for making your events more people-focused. The author of The Art of Gathering, Priya is an expert on bringing people together to have more meaningful, memorable experiences.
Focus on people
The most common way new and veteran organizers lose focus is spending more time on logistics than the people at the event. Logistics are important. The way you set up seating for your event, the snacks you provide, and the agenda you create matters. But, sometimes organizers should ask themselves, “What will I do with the people in the room?”
So, how can you make an event successful by focusing on people? Here are three ways to create a people-centric event.
Craft your event invitation wisely
Crafting a thoughtful invitation is the first step to hosting a successful event. When you write the event description, don’t stop at the basic logistical details. Add some personality to help guests understand who you are, what your intentions are for the event, and what you hope they can take away after attending. This not only helps attendees show up knowing a little about you and what your goal for the event, but it also helps you find and attract the people who can help achieve that goal.
On Meetup, you can create a custom event description for each of your events. Take inspiration from other Meetup organizers and their techniques for writing event descriptions that are both welcoming and informational.
Share your group’s purpose
People make a series of decisions before deciding to attend an event. One of them is deciding whether they will take something positive away by attending. People come with a goal in mind when they go to an event and you should be explicit about your goal as an organizer and your group’s purpose.
Your group’s purpose could be as is as simple as having a team of friends to play softball. Other times a purpose is more subtle, like a book club focused on bringing a neighborhood together. No matter your group’s purpose, if you’re clear on why you’re hosting an event and what you want to get out of it, your attendees will take notice and come again.
Make a plan, but be flexible
Every organizer has their own style. Some events flow better with an agenda while others require a little improvisation. No matter your organizer style, give some thought to how you can make the most out of the time you and your attendees have together. This might be reserving time for introductions before the event kicks off, or time at the end to exchange contact information.
Even the best-laid plans need some flexibility. If you find yourself going a little off course, ask yourself if it’s a positive and engaging aside or a distraction and act accordingly. Organizers need to walk the line between shepherd and goalie.
Last modified on June 23, 2021
