Mon, 1 June 2015
Innovation begins with why. In his book, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Simon Sinek says, “All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year.” Aaron Wolowiec, founder and president of Event Garde, helps organizations keep their why clear and execute their why through innovative learning experiences. QUOTE IT "Often times associations think about the benefits they offer but don't dig deeper past the surface level to really understand what their root cause is; what they're meant to do." (3: 50) "It's incumbent upon us to research, to read books, to attend programs and to develop as learning professionals so that we can further understanding within our own associations." (14:09) DIG IN Listen in around 6:00 as Aaron recalls the turning point when he realized focusing on logistics wasn't enough to make an outstanding learning experience for conference attendees. Aaron shares his predictions for the future of face-face meetings at 15:25. At 25:30 get a preview of an innovative learning and networking activity Aaron is helping plan that connects ASAE 2015 participants to the host city – Detroit – in a different way. TAKEAWAYS 1 – Sticking to the traditional approach that you have inherited isn't going to serve today's conference attendees demand for an authentic experience. 2 – Associations and individuals have many options for learning and networking opportunities, effective models are different and unique. 3 – Intentionally creating a loose structure around networking time helps conference goers focus and get more out of the face-to-face meeting time. 4 – True learning happens when attendees can apply the information they get in a conference setting back in their offices. 5 – Whether it is designing an impactful conference experience, seeking more depth in networking opportunities or leading change within your organization, you will be more effective when you understand and start with the why. |
