Memory Auction: Bid on People's Memories

I'm excited to invite you to the Memory Auction, where we'll be hacking connection through personal memories!

This will feel like a real auction (fun, fast-paced, full of surprises), but instead of bidding on antiques or art, we'll be bidding on people's memories.

This isn’t your typical night out. It's a social experiment disguised as an auction. The big ideas behind this gathering are that everyone has an interesting, unguessable memory, and that within even a small group, someone has a relatable memory.

Here's how it works

• Before the event, think about a personal memory--one that shaped the way you see the world. It doesn't have to be polished (or have a good ending), it just needs to be real and meaningful to you.
• A handful of you will be memory "sellers", sharing a memory that left a mark. If you volunteer to be a memory seller, send your memory to me at least 3 days before the event. Keep it within 2 minutes (roughly 300 words max). We'll need around 25-35% of the group to participate for the magic to work. Help us get there by inviting others.
• At the event, you'll hear memories shared like precious artifacts. If one resonates with you, bid on it using fake money. Winning a bid comes with a special prize (more details at the event)!

Here's the twist

• I've invited a real auctioneer to co-host, but he'll only come if we reach at 25-40 guests (i.e., he has a minimum fee). If we do, I'll ask everyone to chip in $10-15 to cover his presence and help for setting the atmosphere. If not, you'll get my best DIY auction chant instead. It'd be great to have a real auctioneer, so invite others whom you think might be interested!

Expect laughter and the unexpected. Leave with memories that aren't yours, but somehow feel like they are. Hope to see you there!

(Location is TBD in Colorado Springs. I'm gauging the headcount to pick a suitable venue.)