Reliable, proven and trusted venues and properties are the backbone of the corporate meetings and events business, especially for large groups traveling in from all directions. As always, working within a reasonable budget is a top priority so when it comes to super luxurious properties – typically out of reach for sales meetings, product launches, conferences, etc. – corporate incentive budgets often put these within reach to truly reward your company’s elite performers.

Let’s take a closer look at some new options on the near and distant horizons …

Booking Now for Mid-2027:  Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay

Scheduled to open June 1, 2027, Hyatt’s first Andaz property in the Caribbean is in its final phases of construction and is now accepting bookings. Located on Providenciales, Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay promises to be a compelling venue consideration for corporate incentive travel in the region. Set on 5.5 acres of prime beachfront along Grace Bay — repeatedly ranked the Caribbean’s best beach — the boutique resort offers just 59 hotel rooms alongside 73-74 residences, keeping the atmosphere intimate rather than convention-hall generic, which is exactly the kind of exclusivity that makes top performers feel truly pampered.

For programming, the property delivers on both relaxation and connection: three restaurants and bars including the signature Tamarà, a rooftop venue with panoramic bay views, a full-service Runa spa with sauna and cold plunge, tennis and pickleball courts, multiple pools, and direct access to Bight Reef for snorkeling right off the sand. On the logistics side, the resort offers on-site event and catering services, VIP packages and [if you must!] boutique meeting space suited to smallish executive groups rather than mass conferences. It’s a strong pick if the goal is an elevated, fresh and memorable incentive experience.

https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/en-US/plsaz-andaz-turks-and-caicos-at-grace-bay

Coming 2027-2028 [maybe]: Aman Beverly Hills

Aman’s West Coast debut is one of the most anticipated ultra-luxury openings in the U.S., but it’s still under construction but certainly worth flagging for any incentive trip timeline. The property sits within the $10 billion One Beverly Hills development at Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, with some indications of a late-2027 opening while Aman’s own website now hedges their bet and teases 2028.

Whenever, it’s shaping up to be an exceptional incentive-trip venue for a very exclusive, small group. The hotel is designed as only 78 all-suite bungalow-style accommodations spread across roughly 10 acres of botanical gardens — a rare amount of green, private outdoor space for an urban property this close to Rodeo Drive and everything else the storied 90210 zip code has to offer.

Larger suites will include private heated pools and outdoor showers, and the centerpiece is a 100,000-square-foot Aman Club — the brand’s first standalone club — offering indoor/outdoor spa treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, fitness facilities, and curated wellness programming. There will be multiple dining concepts and a screening room to round out the offering. To be safe, consider this a “put it on the radar” option rather than rolling the dice on a too-soon booking.

https://www.aman.com/aman-beverly-hills

Coming 2028: Four Season II

Four Seasons Yachts’ second superyacht, Four Seasons II, debuts in April 2028 and offers a unique and striking alternative to a land-based resort for a top-tier incentive program. At 679 feet with just 79 all-suite-style accommodations [fewer than the 95 suites aboard sister ship Four Seasons I] it limits guests to around 200, allowing for a roughly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. This ensures an unusually intimate, high-touch experience. For a full incentive buyout, the ship offers 11 dining and lounge venues, a spa, wellness programming, and a marina with water-sports access, plus the flexibility to reserve an entire deck or connect suites into a private compound for corporate charters.

The standout accommodation for smaller corporate incentive programs is the new Yacht Residential Suites: a dozen 2-4 bedroom luxury apartments at sea with full kitchens, private living rooms, dedicated concierges and, in select suites, private splash pools and outdoor showers. These accommodations are particularly nice if  your goal is to cluster senior leadership or top performers together rather than scattering them across separate rooms. Inaugural-season sailings will run the Eastern Mediterranean.

https://www.fourseasonsyachts.com/

Speaking of getaways …

On a personal note, our oldest child, Ashlyn, “gotaway” to Clemson University last Friday for her freshman year of college. And for something a little bit different, I’d like to share a couple of snippets from our experience so far transitioning to this next exciting but sometimes worrisome stage of a parent’s and child’s life.

Recently, Ashlyn and I were at Costco and she bought me a Clemson ballcap so I put it on as we walked to the car. Suddenly I heard, “Go Tigers!” I didn’t think anything of it. A few seconds later,  I hear a second “Go Tigers!” and I look at the guy with an obvious expression of confusion.

“Your hat,” he said, pointing to his head.

“Oh, yeah, sorry about that,” I responded.

We ended up chatting in the parking lot for a few minutes. I explained my confused reaction – remember, this is all new to me – and told him I like American football but I’m really a soccer guy. He told us he’d grown up in Clemson, SC and was a big fan of, you guessed it, the Tigers.

Fast-forward a few days and my wife and I are talking with Ashlyn about last-minute priorities before she heads for school.

“You know,” she began, “when you drop me off on Friday, you don’t have to hang around for dinner or anything. I’ll be fine.”

In that moment my mind ping-ponged back and forth for several seconds. Have we done a great job of raising an independent young lady who’s ready to stand on her own two feet? Or did we raise a daughter who can’t wait to escape her parents? I’m still not sure.

“You know,” I told her, “we were already planning to be in Greenville for a getaway next weekend. Maybe we could get together, it’s not that far away.”

“No, I don’t think so,” she responded.

“Well, we were thinking maybe we could go grocery shopping or something.”

“OK …” she paused. “But you’re paying!”

Yes, indeed, the next four years are going to be quite a journey. Prayers are welcomed.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post Three Promising Incentive Options … And Another Thing appeared first on dynami.

When it comes to major sporting events in the U.S., you’re never quite sure what you’ll experience. An overcrowded, rowdy gathering of beer-emboldened fans at a rivalry football or baseball game? Or a serene and respectful gallery talking in hushed tones at Augusta National Golf Club? Don’t even debate a UFC event.

I was fortunate enough to attend a couple of World Cup matches during the six-week tournament which played out in 16 venues across North America for the first time in 32 years. Long a fan of the English Premier League, I loved the atmosphere, the excitement and the action on the field. Though tickets were very pricey, attending a World Cup match is on many bucket lists around the globe and I came away with many wonderful memories.

Tops on the list was the friendly, welcoming level of service I experienced in and around World Cup activities. Traffic cops, ushers [one usher wished me a happy Father’s Day], waitresses and bartenders, concession stand workers, street vendors, and fans themselves. I saw Gail Solomon, legendary Atlanta DMC queen turned retiree, volunteering in the same spot daily, waving, smiling and welcoming people. I hugged her every time! Human decency and polite respect were in the air everywhere and it made a powerful impact on me … probably because it wasn’t what I expected. It wasn’t what I’d grown accustomed to years ago.

And why is that?

I won’t bore you with survey results and statistics that call out the drop-off in service in America in recent years, I think that’s one of the few things these days that garners ‘cross-the-board agreement. The trend began many years ago and fingers can be pointed at many factors — declining parental influence, non-stop geo-political tensions [ugh …], Covid, social media nastiness, and on and on and on.

And that’s why I came away from my World Cup experience hopeful and encouraged that maybe, just maybe, we can return to simpler times of “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir”, holding doors for others, maybe even “Let me help you with that …”. I witnessed people from dozens of countries and cultures coming together and interacting in a spirit of friendliness and service, punctuated with smiles, politeness and enthusiasm. It was uplifting and, for the first time in forever it seems, the U.S. was being embraced on the world stage.

America, take a bow!

A Two-Way Street

And the kindness and respect flowed two ways. In mid-June, following a 2-2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium, most fans headed for the exits. But Japanese fans immediately reached for trash bags and began cleaning their section of the stadium, reaching under seats to pick up cups, straws, food wrappers, and anything else that would otherwise be left behind for someone else to deal with. Meanwhile beneath the stadium, the Japanese men’s team showered, changed and began cleaning their locker room, bagging up trash then folding and stacking soiled uniforms in a neat pile in the middle of the room before boarding team busses.

In Boston, thousands of Scottish fans gathered in a public park to, shall we say, “have a wee bevvy or two”, and in doing so endeared themselves to Beantown barkeeps and local residents. They came together daily in pubs, restaurants, parks and common areas in groups as large as 2,000 people. The Tartan Army not only impressed locals with their capacity to consume … but also their willingness to clean up after themselves. A Boston City Parks Custodian said he was the lone person assigned to clean up after one such gathering and had barely anything to do when he arrived for his shift. “Man, can those people drink but they sure do pick up their trash when the fun is over. I couldn’t believe it,” he told a local news outlet.

Elevate Your Expectations …

I was truly and pleasantly surprised by the exceptional level of service that permeated the world’s most popular sporting event [an estimated 1.6 billion TV viewers worldwide watched the final match]. A whopping 37,000 applications were received for 3,000 volunteer slots in Atlanta alone and those selected were quite obviously well-trained or, by nature, happy and warm-spirited people. There were similar reports of this at many of the other World Cup cities and venues.

No doubt, the demand for hospitality services was the highest since Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympic Summer Games and boy did those businesses step up. There seemed to be a common mission to showcase the stadium, our community, individual businesses, and Southern Hospitality. I came away heartened that it really can happen.

Reality is, we’ve become complacent when it comes to service. In years past, top-class service was expected and businesses delivered [remember “filling” stations where gas was pumped for you and, yes, there was an oil check and a window wash that came along with it]. As consumers of services – retail, dining, vacation, travel, home services, etc. — we’ve not only come to expect mediocrity, we’ve settled for it. When we don’t receive high-quality service and don’t speak up, it’s on us. And failing to say something means we can expect more of the same.

Having said that, calling out a lack of service or poor service needs to be handled delicately. It’s perfectly acceptable to politely ask for a manager and share your experience. It’s not acceptable to berate a server or bartender at a restaurant in front of others. When you share your candid feedback in a spirit of constructiveness, you enhance the chances of that business acting on your input and, no doubt, your next experience with them will be much better. When handled delicately, everyone wins.

If it can happen for six wonderful weeks in Atlanta and beyond, with high-priced ticket packages that drive high expectations of quality, incredible demand for hospitality-related services, and an army of unpaid volunteers, it can happen on a daily basis. I truly believe that.

The Goodness That Is …

So, I ask: What can we – you, me, everyone – do each day, all day to keep this wonderful dimension of the 2026 World Cup alive? This suddenly reawakened commitment to friendly service. We are a kind and welcoming society, despite the nasty overlay the media likes to promote globally and locally. In truth, you don’t have to dig deep to discover the goodness that is America … land of the free, home of the brave, and one fine place to live. We can do this, everyone!

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post Beyond World Cup: Top-Class Service Should Be Expected appeared first on dynami.

Whether it’s a product launch, leadership retreat, Town Hall, strategy summit, or national sales meeting, corporate gatherings find themselves in a brighter spotlight and, as a result, are more vulnerable these days. Stakeholders are still expected to deliver great content, execute logistics smoothly, and generate a high level of engagement but they’re just as focused on making employees feel comfortable and safe while onsite. That’s why more planners are:

Bringing security into initial planning discussions versus treating it as an afterthought.

Treating security spending as essential to risk management and employee trust, not just a “nice if we can afford it” line item.

Creating a security plan from an attendee’s perspective, asking, “Does this feel reassuring or intrusive?

The goal isn’t to create a hyper-controlled Fort Knox environment. The goal is to create enough safety so people relax, participate fully, and focus on the purpose of the meeting.

When Physical and Digital Converge

For internal events, the boundary between physical and digital security has all but disappeared. On the physical side, you’re still dealing with familiar questions:

• Who’s allowed into which spaces, and how do you verify that?
• How will people move between general sessions, breakouts, and social functions without bottlenecks?
• Where and how should security staff be visible so they’re reassuring, not intimidating?

On the digital side, there’s a new layer of exposure:

• Senior leaders often have a public profile that makes them more vulnerable to targeting. [Consider the horrific tragedy of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.]
• Business sessions often address highly sensitive topics you don’t want leaking.
• Hybrid formats, event apps, Wi-Fi networks, and collaboration tools all introduce potential openings for misuse. [A rodent is always seeking an opening, same thing for someone with nefarious intentions.]

For planners and internal clients, the best approach is to treat the above as one integrated challenge. Room layouts, access points, communications, and tech choices should all be designed with a single question in mind: “How do we protect our people and information while keeping the atmosphere open and welcoming?”

A Planner-Friendly Structure for Internal Events

Here are seven simple ways to create a solid security plan for your next corporate meeting or event:

#1 Align Risk Early

Invite stakeholders who understand the content and the risk; specifically, meeting host[s], corporate security, risk management, IT/cyber, HR, and the planning team. Together, clarify:

• Who will be in attendance [employees only, leadership, external guests, board members]?
• What level of confidentiality the agenda carries.
• Where the event will take place — onsite at HQ, offsite locally, or in another city/country.
• How visible the event might be outside the organization [media interest, social media buzz, investor or activist attention].

From there, you can agree on a realistic risk profile and the level of security needed [using a scale of 1-5 with 5 being riskiest helps], avoiding either an overreaction or underpreparing.

#2 Make Access Feel Smooth, Not Strict

For internal gatherings, access control is a big part of the experience. Planned and executed well, the security structure is virtually invisible to attendees. They simply sense that things are well organized and flowing smoothly. It’s important to consider:

• Credentials and IDs that are easy to read but don’t feel heavy-handed.
• Check-in processes that move quickly and feel like a warm welcome, not a TSA line.
• Clear distinctions between common areas and restricted areas [executive sessions, green rooms, production areas] so staff aren’t constantly forced into awkward “you can’t be here” moments.

#3 Build a Practical Safety Backbone

Every event needs a basic safety framework the client can understand and support. Planners must work with internal security and the event venue to define:

• Evacuation procedures and exit routes.
• Who has authority to make decisions if a threat emerges.
• How urgent messaging reaches attendees [text alerts, app notifications, announcements, etc.].

Translate this into a short note in pre-event communications [basically, a helpful “heads up!”]. You should also do a quick refresher/orientation delivered by the event host or emcee at the onset of your program [“OK, everyone, here’s what to know in the event we need to… ”]. You might also discreetly place signage that reinforces the plan without creating a sense of imminent peril. Your tone in all cases must be calm and matter-of-fact to ensure you come across as caring for people, not scaring them.

#4 Treat Digital Exposure as Part of the Event

It’s easy to focus on doors and badges and forget about what’s happening online. Yes, for an internal event, this seems like overkill. And it is … until you experience your first cyber emergency that could’ve been detected and headed off with a little advance sleuthing. It sucks. Yes to that, too. But that’s today’s world. Make sure you:

• Coordinate with IT on secure platforms for registration, streaming, and content sharing.
• Agree on guidelines for photos, social media posts, and sharing speaker-support imagery or A-V recordings — especially if sensitive material will be discussed and/or shown.
• Ensure Wi‑Fi networks, event apps, and other tools meet the necessary level of confidentiality.

For senior leadership and board settings, it can be worth having company and venue security quietly review what’s publicly visible about key figures and travel patterns around your event dates, particularly when traveling to unfamiliar venues or markets, or areas of political/civil unrest.

#5 Equip Your Team to Respond Calmly

Your planning team and on-site staff inevitably become your first point-of-contact when something feels “off.” Give them:

• A simple overview of emergency procedures and a list of who to call for what.
• Encouragement to remain composed and reassuring, even when relaying difficult information.
• Instructions for concerns [i.e., someone is in a restricted area, suspicious behavior, or health issue].

They don’t need to be experts in security; they just need to know their role and work the Emergency Plan you’ve so carefully curated.

#6 Talk About Security in Human Terms

Executives and employees alike pick up on the tone you use around safety. Helpful approaches include:

• Framing security as part of taking care of people: “We’ve built in some additional safety measures so you can focus fully on the meeting.”
• Keeping language straightforward and non-alarmist.
• Emphasizing the important balance of security and a positive attendee experience.

The aim is to build trust. When people sense that you’ve thought ahead and taken reasonable precautions, they’re much more likely to relax and immerse themselves in the event experience.

#7 Learn from Every Gathering

Once your event has adjourned, doing a short debrief with client, planners and other relevant partners can be incredibly valuable. Do it ASAP when observations are still fresh and haven’t had a chance to drift away into wherever quickly fading memories go. Discuss:

• How did attendees seem to feel [i.e., relaxed and light or tense, concerned and/or confused].
• Whether check-in, wayfinding, transitions between sessions, exit flows, etc. caused any issues.
• Any actual incidents or close calls, and how well they were handled.
• What you’d repeat, refine, or remove for the next internal gathering.

Final Thoughts …

For hosts and planners of corporate meetings, the real measure of success is simple: Do people feel comfortable enough to be fully present? Keep this in mind as you curate and implement your security plan.

It’s unfortunate but reality is we live in uncomfortable times. A rock-solid security plan is now just as much of a priority as location/venue, meeting space, AV, content and F&B. A trusted, high-quality, local security company who knows and understands the area is an invaluable partner. Yes, it adds costs but the cost of something traumatic or tragic is far steeper.

Consider it an investment in your goals and objectives. When security is thoughtfully integrated, attendees don’t walk away talking about guard posts or badge checks, they speak enthusiastically about fresh messaging, new connections, and personal/company momentum.

Planned and executed well, a security plan becomes the quiet foundation for all aspects of your program to shine … including you!

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post Security Plans for Corporate Events Are No Longer Optional appeared first on dynami.

Like any seemingly overwhelming task – cleaning a cluttered basement, preparing your taxes, or changing your eating habits – the key is to just get started. [Remember those lessons about eating an elephant or moving your cheese?] But where do you start?

The best way to identify the perfect motivational speaker is to start with your event’s desired outcome and your audience, then match a speaker whose story, style, expertise and messaging directly support your organization’s goals. When you get that alignment right, the keynote becomes a catalyst instead of just a “that was fun” presentation.

Many a client has paid handsomely for a big-splash celebrity who does a superb job of entertaining, taking selfies and signing autographs but probably really doesn’t understand the inner machinations of the business world and your organizations challenges. If you’re looking for strong ROI, this is not where you start.

Here are four key steps to whittle down a broad array of speaker options to the one speaker who’s most likely to inform, inspire and motivate your audience in a way that lasts long after program adjournment and travel home.

Start with Strategy

Before you hit “play” on the first speaker demo link, be crystal clear on what success will look like for your program. This clarity will guide every decision that follows. Ask yourself:

• What key business challenge or opportunity are we seeking to address [i.e., morale, change, growth, culture, sales push, etc.]?
• What are three key takeaways we want our people to remember six months from now?
• Are we seeking behavior change, a mindset shift, skill development, pure inspiration [or a mix of all]?
• How will we know our speaker “hit the mark” [feedback, engagement, post-event actions]?

Know Your Audience

The same speaker can knock it out of the park with one audience … but fall flat with another. Analyze and create an audience profile before you shortlist anyone. Consider things like:

• Audience Makeup: Executives vs. frontline workers, tech folks vs. sales, a mixed audience, etc.
• Demographics/Culture: Age range, gender balance, cultural backgrounds, sensitive topics.
• Energy Level and Format: Is this a morning opener or after-lunch slot, large group or intimate retreat.
• What is our audience tired of hearing and what type of messaging would feel fresh and credible?

Evaluate Speaker Fit

Once you’ve clarified your goals and created an audience profile, look for a speaker whose content, story, and delivery align with those needs. Consider the speaker’s:

• Relevant experience and expertise in leadership, resilience, innovation, sales, change, etc.
• Authentic personal stories that connect to real-world challenges, not dishing out generic clichés.
• Stage presence [Do they exude confidence, credibility and authenticity; will they engage your group?
• Willingness to tailor personal anecdotes, language/tone, and make references to your organization.
• Evidence of success [testimonials from similar groups, videos, repeat bookings, etc.]

Focus on Fit, Not Flash

Too many get this entirely backwards. To avoid falling into that trap …

• Assess Speaker Style: Are they high-octane or reflective? Which is the better fit for your group?
• Is the speaker’s manner, messaging and energy a good fit not just for your audience but also the assigned timeslot?
• Prioritize speakers who ask smart questions about your audience and customize their messaging.
• Land on a balance of long-lasting inspiration, actionable ideas, and practical next steps for attendees.
• Verify Professionalism [i.e.,, responsiveness, clarity on fees/logistics, willingness to collaborate.
• Integrity/Authenticity [in other words, someone who lives their message, and doesn’t just perform it].
• Are they “Keynote only”, or willing to add Q&A, a “fireside chat”, a workshop, or follow-up breakout?
• Will they integrate your organization’s leadership, values, and current priorities into the talk?
• Assess Potential Long-Term Impact: Will the speaker’s message be memorable months from now?

When you approach your search this way — Strategy first, Audience second, Speaker third — you dramatically increase your odds of finding the right speaker to not only energize and inspire, but to advance your business goals objectives. As a bonus, here are three speakers dynami has recently used that were a perfect fit for each audience:

MATTHEW EMERZIAN

Former senior music industry executive who worked with major artists like U2, Coldplay, and Avril Lavigne before a personal crisis led him to found Every Monday Matters and become a leading voice on belonging and purpose, and emphasizing his core message that Everyone Matters. Today, Emerzian is a four-time bestselling author whose keynotes help people and organizations embrace the message You Matter as a mindset that transforms culture, leadership, and everyday life.

https://www.matthewemerzian.com

JOHNNY “CUPCAKES” EARLE

Founder of Johnny Cupcakes, the “world’s first T‑shirt bakery,” a food-themed apparel brand he grew from a joke on a shirt into a multimillion-dollar cult favorite known for limited-edition drops, customers camping out for releases, and even thousands of fans with his logo tattooed on their bodies. [That’s where I draw the line!] As a keynoter, “Cupcakes” shares high-energy, story-driven lessons on brand loyalty, creating unforgettable customer experiences, and using surprise, delight, and relentless experimentation to turn customers into passionate fans.

https://johnnycupcakes.com

FRANK RUSSO

Eight-time Inc. 500 entrepreneur, technology innovator, and author who has built, scaled, and exited companies across multiple industries, including founding the AI-driven customer experience platform 360CXM. As a keynote speaker, Russo focuses on unlocking “limitless growth” by helping leaders reconnect with their organization’s Core Purpose, embrace their unique “weird,” and use authenticity, creativity, and selfless leadership to bust out of stagnation and create cultures in which people love what they do.

https://frankie-russo.com

If you feel like you’re sailing rudderless in a sea of so many options, dynami is here you help you identify and go to contract with the right and perfect speaker for your upcoming corporate meeting or event.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post Simplifying the Task of Finding the Right Speaker [Plus a Bonus!] appeared first on dynami.

Venezuelan dictator Nicholás Maduro was captured in a raid by U.S. troops in Caracas in early-January, sparking extreme violence and mayhem in the South American capital.

The killing of drug kingpin “El Mencho” led to Cartel-fueled violence and destruction that has robbed the spirit of party/resort town Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

And more recently, U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran eliminated a sinister ruling regime, but prompted retaliatory air strikes across a dozen countries in the surrounding Gulf region. Closer to home, a mass shooting at a popular Austin, TX nightspot three days ago killed three [including the gunman], injured 14 more, and appears to be connected to the US-Israel assault on Iran. In December and January, civil unrest rocked Minneapolis for the second time in six years.

In all of these occurrences, shops, restaurants, conference facilities, and tourist hotel properties or gathering spots were negatively impacted, whether operationally, structurally or both.

If you have strong Force Majeure language in your contract, you have options.

If you have generalized Force Majeure language in your contract, you may have no options.

It’s all up to you and your level of skill and insight when it comes to crafting contractual language that factors in all negative potentialities beyond your control and/or the control of the venue you’re utilizing.

I’ll leave the moral/political right-or-wrong of these events to others to debate at another time. I am 100% focused on the reality these situations put upon those of us who toil in the world of events. Our entire industry experienced the importance of Force Majeure language during the pandemic and 25 years ago in the horrific aftermath of 9-11. Now, it seems, we’re fully back in the fray.

One thing we can all agree on is that’s it’s more important than ever to be hyper-vigilant and pro-actively protective when planning a corporate meeting or event, especially in an offshore location where instability is more likely than what we’re accustomed to in America … typically. Unfortunately, these are not typical times.

It’s high time to double-down on protections.

Let’s dust off your understanding of Force Majeure …

Force Majeure [French for “superior force”] is a legal term used in contracts for unexpected, uncontrollable events – such as wars, terrorist attacks, civil disturbances, natural disasters, major strikes, or government shutdowns — that make it impossible for one or both parties to successfully execute what the contract states. When a Force Majeure clause kicks in, it can temporarily or permanently excuse the affected party or parties from liability for not performing, as long as the unexpected event was beyond their control and not caused by their own negligence.

Elements of a strong Force Majeure clause

Generally speaking, qualifying events for a Force Majeure clause fall in three categories: Natural disasters, government actions, and human conflicts. But beware of generic, open-to-ambiguity wording that can be interpreted differently by affected parties [or the court system]. Specificity, and factoring in benchmarks and official declarations are imperative to avoid any confusion.

For instance, do not utilize generic, under-one-umbrella wording like “acts of God” without itemizing potential occurrences such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, lightning strikes, wildfires, avalanches, mudslides, storms, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, etc. For public health emergencies, include widespread disease outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, quarantines, shortages of medical supplies, inadequate numbers of medical professionals, etc.

Human/government-related items should also be very specific, including declaration of war, terrorism, civil unrest, foreign invasion, hostilities, riots, rebellion, sabotage, embargoes, blockades, trade restrictions, newly enacted laws impacting your contract after signing, local/state emergency orders, national emergencies, etc. Labor disruptions should be listed such as strikes, lockouts, factory closures, labor stoppages, etc. Local infrastructure considerations such as fire, explosion, power/transport shortages, communication infrastructure breakdowns, transportation shutdowns by official order, etc.

These lists are typically tagged at the end of the clause with catch-all language such as “or other events beyond reasonable control” in the event a circumstance occurs that wasn’t listed but clearly imperiled and impacted your program.

Force Majeure simply cannot be left open to interpretation. If you opt to cancel your program due to an unforeseen significant event but did not have strong language and clarifying standards in place, you risk losing your entire, significant investment. Contractual wording must be very, very specific with benchmarks and criteria built in such as official declaration[s] or state-of-emergency announcements issued by municipal, state and/or federal authorities.

Lean on your meeting planning partner to help guide you through contract negotiation – including strong Force Majeure wording – and don’t leave yourself financially exposed. Our team at dynami is always here to assist.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post It’s High Time to Double-Down on Protections! appeared first on dynami.

Released in mid-January, the report is based on feedback from 3,000+ respondents in the U.S., U.K. and India who plan to attend in-person events in 2026. It focused on the emotional, behavioral and cultural reasons why people attend and engage in meetings and events, and it applies to those gatherings that are optional attendance [i.e., user conferences, dealer meetings, franchise systems, etc.] and those “command-performance” company gatherings where the “optional” component comes into play when the attendee chooses whether to tune in and participate, or merely warm a seat.

Why People Really Say “Yes” to Events

People gather today because they want to versus showing up out of habit. They start with a question that wasn’t even an option not too long ago: “Why am I going?” Every person weighs the realities of balancing  work, family, and personal routines against what they expect to gain by attending. That’s why the “why” behind a decision to attend must be clear and personal. Attendees want events that advance their careers, recharge their wellbeing, or offer real connection they can’t get on a livestream or on-demand connection.

Memorable events now depend less on big‑budget spectacle and more on the small, human moments in between. Attendees often remember the:

Quiet corner where they recharged without guilt.

Short but meaningful exchange with a leader.

Unplanned coffee that sparked a new, meaningful relationship.

Session where technology just … worked and didn’t feel forced or cumbersome.

These micro‑moments don’t seem all that impressive on a printed agenda, but they absolutely shape how welcome, seen, and cared‑for people feel. That’s why planners need to design not just key meeting spaces, but hallways, breaks, and corner nooks where significant interaction quietly takes root.

Events as a Digital Reset

We live in a world of back‑to‑back virtual meetings, overflowing inboxes, and constant notifications. [How many times have you glanced at your phone in the past 90 seconds?].In that context, being in the same room has become a rare form of “reset”. What used to be the norm now seems the exception and the desire to return to the old way is renewing itself. Attendees aren’t just at your event for information. Whether they’re consciously aware of it or not, they’re also chasing nuance, body language, serendipity, and the chance to meet people they might never cross paths with in their daily digital orbit.

This craving for real connection spans generations. Younger professionals, for all their online presence, want spaces where they can drop airs and be themselves. Older attendees deeply value being in the same room again, seeing familiar faces and making new connections. A well‑designed gathering therefore must function as a counterbalance to digital overload, not just another conference to check off the list.

Tech and AI that Stays in the Background

Technology still matters but its role has changed. People expect it to run quietly in the background, enhancing the meeting experience instead of stealing the spotlight. Easier registration, clear agendas, smoother check‑ins, and reliable Wi‑Fi are no longer “nice‑to‑haves”, they’re expected and deserved.

AI tools can help attendees identify and locate the right sessions, reveal key people to meet, and help them navigate logistics so they spend less time searching and more time engaging. The key word is “restraint.” If a digital feature doesn’t make it easier to focus, connect, or feel at ease, it’s probably not worth the attention [and cost] it demands.

Destination as Co‑Host

The location isn’t just a backdrop anymore; it’s part of the value proposition. Attendees pay attention to where they are and what the place feels like. They respond to:

Local culture [art, music, storytelling, etc.] woven into presentations.

Authentic, locally inspired food and beverage options.

Partnerships with neighborhood businesses, artisans, and wellness providers.

When the venue and surrounding area are activated as a “living set,” people feel more connected to “place” and community. Instead of asking only, “Will this space accommodate our needs?”, planners now must ask, “Will this environment inspire, welcome, and spark curiosity?” 

Further, participants increasingly treat events as a stage for career advancement and growth, and to establish or enhance their “personal brand”. They arrive thinking about visibility, cultural fit, and whether this gathering will help them demonstrate readiness, ambition, and their unique skill set and background. They favor events that:

Align with their goals and values.

Offer meaningful relationship‑building vs. superficial “drive by” interactions and conversations.

Create moments worth sharing — photos, quotes, or experiences that signal belonging — without turning the entire experience into one big photoshoot or SelfieFest.

Nor do attendees want to be heroic through exhaustion anymore. “Smart work” trumps “overworked” which hasn’t always been the case. The “nose to the grindstone” approach is outdated. Further, wellness is no longer a secondary consideration at events, it must be baked into the overall program design. People care about how a gathering affects their energy, focus, and mood. Clear patterns are emerging:

Downtime is essential, not optional.

Simple touches — comfortable seating, quiet lounges, quality coffee, healthy options, and clear signage – deliver an outsized impact.

Solo recharge moments, like a quiet meal or an early bedtime, can be the highlight of the trip for those who don’t often have the luxury of that at home.

Planners who explicitly signal that breaks are expected — and who gain “buy in” on that priority from the top — help attendees feel as if permission has been granted to care for themselves and be truly present.

Swag, Gifts, and Meaningful Give‑Back

The age of the generic, high‑volume giveaway bag is fading. People increasingly favor:

Fewer, higher‑quality items with a clear story or local connection to organizational goals, objectives and culture.

Opportunities to participate in meaningful give‑back activities tied to the destination or a cause.

Experiences that feel like a contribution instead of a freebie stand out. For planners with fixed budgets, this shift offers a chance to reallocate funds previously earmarked for easily disposed-of “trinkets & trash”  toward initiatives that leave a lasting impression — on both attendees and the local community.

All of this points to a new Creative Brief for anyone charged with shaping an event. It starts with the sharp, human‑centered question: “What personal, emotional and professional outcomes do we want our attendees to experience?” Key design principles include:

• Clarifying belonging, connection, clarity, inspiration, and renewal as anchor goals.
• Engineering micro‑moments across the entire attendee journey, not just from the mainstage.
• Using technology intelligently but lightly to enhance the experience, not distract from it.
• Treating the destination as a co‑host, not a neutral backdrop with the best roomblock and meeting space.
• Normalizing rest and wellness as part of the experience, not an afterthought.

And the best gatherings think beyond the Closing Session: How will memories, relationships, wellness habits, and community impact continue to resonate once everyone returns home? I mean, what good is it if all the goodwill and warm vibes and memories must be turned back in at departure …?

Even in a Digital World, We Gather For Human Needs!

Even as the world goes more crazily digital, the reasons we gather remain deeply human. People come together not to be passively informed, but to feel connected, valued, inspired, and renewed. When events are designed around these core human needs, meetings and events transform from obligatory calendar entries into meaningful experiences people actively choose, cherish, and seek out again. It’s like wanting your favorite band to play one more tune at the end of the second encore. Ultimately, we gather not because we have to [even though we often do], we gather because we want to be seen, heard, valued and respected.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post What’s the Real Reason People Say ‘Yes’ to Meetings? appeared first on dynami.

Traditionally, white, black and gray have been the most in-demand colors when car shopping. Silver, red and blue are right behind. But these days, automotive manufacturers and dealers are capitalizing on a surging demand for non-traditional colors like orange, yellow, bronze, rich greens and special-effect blues and purples that stand out in showrooms and in traffic. More and more, car-buyers want unique vehicles so classic supply & demand economics kicks into high gear [sorry, I can’t help it]. A person wants something specifically tailored to their tastes and the manufacturer responds in kind.

So how does this relate to those of us who toil in the vineyards of corporate meetings and events …? Because it’s hyperpersonalization and it has become a huge and often controversial trend in the U.S. and international marketplace. It means different things to different people, and has different goals for one group versus another. Confused? Understandable. Let’s look a little closer …

Hyperpersonalization in the U.S. is the shift toward experiences – retail, personal and business experiences — that are tuned to each individual in real time, driven by AI and today’s constant gathering, tracking and storing of data related to behavior, location, and context. That’s why so many online shopping sites feel “curated”. Streaming platforms seem to read your mind. And pop-up ads quickly reflect what you were just looking at on your smartphone or laptop.​

People respond to this dynamic in different ways. One side loves the targeted-uniquely-for-me feel of the experience while others believe Public Enemy No.1 is someone called Al Geaux Rhythm “and he’s actively violating my privacy!” As a result, hyperpersonalization is not just a marketing tactic anymore, it’s part of a broader U.S. debate about data rights, surveillance, and how personalized everyday life should really be.

Both sides have fair arguments but, guess what, it ain’t goin’ away.

CES 2026: All In on AI

At the annual blockbuster Consumer Electronics Show two weeks ago in Las Vegas, AI was on full display and no doubt will be showcased even more widely at subsequent CES gatherings.

Yes, there were the usual quirky innovations such as Lego’s new Smart bricks that embed light, sound, motion and proximity sensors to turn physical builds into interactive, programmable experiences tied to an app; musical toothbrushes that deliver high-quality audio via bone conduction, real-time poop-analyzing toilets [I kid you not!], musical lollipops, and $9,000 OLED handbags that are more digital screen than purse.

But there were also a number of AI-driven innovations that can help hosts and planners of corporate meetings and events curate an experience that feels hyperpersonalized for each individual attendee. We’ve been attempting to do this for years with online registration, meeting-specific apps, RFID badges, unique meeting tracks, etc. But now, it’s about to get real with some of these Orwellian “Big Brother is watching” innovations that were on display at CES.

AI Orchestration for Meetings

New AI orchestration platforms sit on top of tools like Teams, Zoom, and Slack to auto‑generate agendas, track decisions, assign tasks, and send follow‑ups without manual note‑taking.​ Vendors boast of better meeting effectiveness and faster decision cycles because routine coordination is offloaded to an AI layer that understands context across tools and documents.

Multilingual, Global Collaboration

Real‑time multilingual collaboration tools now provide live translation and transcription inside meeting platforms, making language less of a barrier for global teams and events. This enables organizers to confidently mix speakers and attendees from more regions without dedicated interpreters in every session.

Spatial Collaboration and Digital Twins

Digital twin collaboration platforms and industrial Extended Reality [XR] allow remote experts to join on‑site teams in a shared 3D-model of a venue, factory, or activation, ideal for site inspections and complex event builds. Telepresence robotics and industrial XR are currently being used to guide field workers on farms in real time, a model that can translate into remote venue walkthroughs, stage design reviews, or sponsor installation checks.

AI Video Intelligence and Async Events

AI‑powered video collaboration tools can summarize long sessions, index recordings by topic, and generate highlight reels, allowing more attendees to participate asynchronously [meaning you don’t stand there and wait for a task to be completed, a program runs in the background and does that for you while you move on to other work]. This means organizations that use these tools have less of a need for everyone to attend every live meeting, while still capturing searchable institutional knowledge from conversations. I know, weird.

Collaborative Robots and Physical AI at Events

“Physical AI” and collaborative robots are moving from factories into service industries like hospitality and retail, filling frontline labor gaps. For events, similar robots can support registration, wayfinding, simple F&B tasks, and on‑floor assistance, all enhancing operational efficiencies and delivering a high‑impact attendee experience.

Wireless Display and Flexible Room Setups

Wireless display solutions highlighted for workplaces allow easy casting from multiple devices with minimal setup, helping planners reconfigure breakout rooms on the fly. Combined with next‑gen AI PCs and smart glasses, presenters can move freely, hand off content quickly, and create more dynamic, audience‑driven sessions.

Like it or not, the future is here and wise hosts and planners of corporate meetings and events will want to jump aboard this speedy bullet train we call AI … ASAP! And if you find hyperpersonalization and the various AI-driven tools designed to help you better connect with your audience all a bit overwhelming, give us a call. We’d love to help!

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post The Corporate Meeting/Event of Tomorrow … Is Here Today! appeared first on dynami.

Have you opened your email inbox today …? If you’re like everyone else, you’ve got countless unopened messages. So many, in fact, you’re more inclined to hit “Delete All” than to spend the next 90 minutes opening, reading, responding, etc. Have you checked your social media accounts? Lordy! And what happened to that IG message you posted last night about an upcoming event?

With so many platforms in today’s world [increasing every day, it seems], communication in general can be a two-edged sword. Yes, it’s easier these days but, no, it’s not always as effective as you might’ve assumed. And to make event marketing even more maddening, social media algorithms often bury posts long before your audience sees them.

So how can an event host or planner make sure the right message reaches the right person at exactly the right time? Is this even possible …?

Well, Merry Christmas a few days late, everyone. It is!

Short Message Service [SMS] automation is transforming event-marketing. It’s direct, personal, and immediate, making it the go-to choice for frustrated event professionals in search of higher engagement levels and more predictable ROI. These days, people simply assume a text will be more important than an email and that means greater engagement for you.

SMS Beats Every Other Communication Channel

The numbers tell a clear story. Quite simply, the overwhelming majority of people actually open and read their texts. Research shows SMS has a staggering 98% open rate and 45% response rate. Compare that with email, where less than 30% of emails are even opened, much less read or read to the end. This is night-and-day stuff here, everyone. But the real power kicks in when SMS is paired with automation. Let’s look a little closer …

Sending individual emails or texts to hundreds, if not thousands, of attendees isn’t just unrealistic, it’s impossible. Nobody has that kind of time [or patience]. SMS automation eliminates that burden entirely. It allows planners to schedule, personalize, and trigger messages automatically based on timelines, necessary attendee actions, or event updates.

Imagine being able to blast alerts with a simple screen tap or two when a registration window is closing, a speaker session is about to begin, a meeting room change happens at the last minute, a survey needs to go out immediately after a session, etc. Automation removes the clunky, time-consuming manual effort of days-gone by, cuts down on miscommunication, and ensures information flows smoothly and simultaneously. Leaning on SMS automation simplifies logistics so planners can focus on what truly matters — the attendee experience.

Before, During & After …

Engagement doesn’t begin when attendees arrive at your event. It begins the moment an event is announced and registration opens, and continues throughout the pre-event, during and post-event phases. Sharing important information via SMS automation helps you nurture relationships with attendees from start to finish. Effective, timely communication makes events run more smoothly and efficiently. When the left hand knows what the right is doing and vice-versa, there are significantly fewer pop-up snags that can hamstring an event.

It helps to build multiple SMS lists – one for attendees, hosts and staff, and one for those behind-the-scenes professionals who make the event happen [i.e., planners, coordinators, vendors, speakers, volunteers, AV crews, venue staff, etc.]. You can call an emergency meeting when an issue arises, communicate last-minute decisions, update program details, send a thank-you at day’s end, or a reminder about the next day’s priorities. The result: fewer mistakes, more rapid response times, and smoother event execution.

So, How Do I Get Started?

Setting up SMS automation is easier than you might expect. Modern SMS platforms [i.e., SMS-iT, Text-Em-All, Textedly, etc.] are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing CRMs, event apps and online registration tools. Typically, the set-up process looks like this:

Select a platform that supports automation, personalization, and CRM integration.

Create or customize templates for invites, reminders, updates, and feedback messages.

Set triggers based on time [i.e., 24 hours before event], attendee status, or actions to be taken.

Launch and monitor open rates, response rates, confirmations, and feedback.

Optimize and refine your messaging strategy for future events.

Event marketing is all about establishing and nurturing connections, and effective connection thrives on timely, reliable communication. SMS automation bridges the gap between planners and participants by delivering the right message at the right moment to the right persons, and leap-frogs the diminishing effectiveness of email, once the Gold Standard of event marketing. Times have changed and SMS automation isn’t just the future of event marketing, it’s the now!

And on another very important note …

Our entire team at dynami hopes you are enjoying a meaningful, memorable and enjoyable holiday season. We are grateful for the gift of your interest and partnership, and we look forward to working together in the New Year.

Cheers, and here’s to an awesome 2026!

Kenneth Jones

The post Event Marketing: Dump the Dinosaur, Lean on SMS Automation! appeared first on dynami.

I recently came across the results of a 2025 Gallup Poll in which respondents were queried about the importance of praise and recognition at home, in the workplace, and when they’re out and about interacting with others.

It found people who receive regular, sincere, high-quality praise and recognition are significantly more engaged, motivated, and loyal to their organizations, their relationships, and their personal goals. In the workplace, employees who are well-recognized are 45% less likely to leave their jobs, and when recognition is added to the mix, it bumps that retention number up to 65%. Clearly, praise and recognition deepen a person’s commitment to an organization and its culture, individual life goals, and interpersonal relationships.

Honestly, I wouldn’t call this a news flash but I do think the findings serve as a great reminder and reinforcement of what most of us probably already knew but, maybe, don’t put into action on a regular basis. But I wonder … do we [including me] seize opportunities to praise and recognize someone for over-and-above efforts and for reaching key milestones along their personal journeys? I’m not talking about going overboard with excessive quantities of praise because that, like anything, very quickly gets stale and ineffective. I’m talking about quality praise and recognition, the type that flows from one heart and touches another.

Consistently over the decades, research has come to the following conclusions about the positive effects of praise and recognition:

• Boosts confidence and extends motivation — Receiving earned praise confirms the value of one’s actions and encourages further effort and growth.
• Improves attitude and mental health — Focusing on strengths and recognizing accomplishments helps reduce stress, anxiety, and negativity by shifting attention to positive pursuits and away from problems which often garner more focus and attention than they rightfully deserve.
• Enhances and strengthens social bonds — Offering praise builds trust, respect, and a sense of belonging in relationships, whether personal, professional, or social. Recognition before others turbo-charges this effect.
• Encourages resilience — Acknowledging and recognizing progress during challenges cultivates a positive mindset and a greater commitment to persevering in spite of headwinds and difficulties.

When recognition is built into workplace culture, engagement levels rise by nearly 32%, driving higher morale, productivity, and collaboration among teams. In fact, companies with robust recognition programs see up to 40% lower turnover, illustrating how appreciation not only rewards effort but also reinforces positive behaviors that align with organizational values.

We have one client who invites all 750 of its employees to a local convention center for a program that honors their top 10-15 performers. This company-wide recognition fosters respect, strengthens the organization’s cultural bonds, and catalyzes motivation. “What if I was one of those people called onstage next year …?”

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Small ways to reward performance include verbal praise in meetings, personalized thank-you notes, or social media shoutouts acknowledging good work. Recently, one of our dynami team members did an exceptional job on something and she was rewarded with a dozen tasty cupcakes which had the desired effect of making her feel special. And isn’t that the point?

Other low-cost gestures might be offering a reserved parking spot for the month, a special lunch outing, or a gift card. By contrast, grand ways to reward performance involve higher investment in the individual, whether it’s a salary bump, an unscheduled bonus, elite professional training, additional Paid Time Off, or a mini-sabbatical. And of course, there’s always the opportunity to reward them with a President’s Club slot and send them, along with other high-achieving peers, to a sun-and-sand location, a luxury dude ranch, or travel to someplace offshore and exotic.

Words Matter …

Not to be a chest-thumper but I’d like to brag a bit about the dynami team. Recently, I received the below note from the CEO of a client, commending our onsite Production Team after a well-executed program. It read:

Hi there,

I just want to take a moment to say thank you for the truly outstanding job you did bringing this year’s conference to life. From the earliest planning stages to the very last session, every detail reflected your hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence. You handled every moving piece — and there were many! — with grace, teamwork, and heart. The result was an event that not only ran seamlessly but left our entire community inspired, connected, and proud to be part of something so special. I keep getting “best conference ever”.

Thank you again for your talent, your teamwork, and for always going above and beyond! If you can please share this with the rest of your team that was there, I would greatly appreciate it! I know we will be in touch soon.

One-hundred and thirty-four words. But to me, and to the entire dynami team, it felt like a million bucks!

Never overlook the opportunity to share praise and/or recognize another when the situation merits. You never know how much a few well-chosen, heartfelt words of praise, or a moment of recognition in front of peers, will mean to another person today, tomorrow, even many, many years from now when they reflect on their careers. And ultimately, you, will likely be rewarded with a happier, more loyal, and even higher-achieving team member.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post In Praise of Praise and Recognition appeared first on dynami.

Ruiz’ book sold more than 15 million copies in the U.S. and stayed on The New York Times Best-Seller list for more than a decade. In summary, it says the key to harmony and happiness is to:

• Be impeccable with your word by speaking truthfully and kindly.
• Take nothing personally because others’ actions reflect themselves, not you.
• Make no assumptions. Instead, communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
• Always, always do your best, understanding that your best may vary day to day but doing so fosters self-respect and growth.

While cynics may roll their eyes and call this an oversimplification, I ask, “Is it?” Maybe happiness in life is that simple. And taking this thought process a bit further, maybe the key to more engaging, collaborative and productive business meetings – whether they occur on a handful of screens across a vast Zoom or Teams network, or with hundreds of folks gathered in a large conference hall – is the application of these very same principles.

A Different “Take”

An interesting perspective popped into my LinkedIn feed recently. Thomas Lahnthaler, who calls himself an “intentional unconventionalist,” posted that he’s against ground rules or agreements in group settings. His take? They only help the facilitator, not the people in the room. Agree with him or not, his perspective pushes one to pause for a moment and rethink things. I did and I came to the conclusion that I simply don’t agree with his statement. [Call me an “intentional conventionalist”, I guess.]

Where I think he misses the mark, despite a litany of people cheering his post on, is that it’s often the spoken or implied rules and guidelines — the “agreements” — that keep people between the navigational beacons and lessens the likelihood of some flying off-topic or off-task. There’s a reason why interstates are lined by directional signs, posted speed-limits, and overhead readerboards. Without these, especially in today’s often frantic, too-quick-to-confront society, our highways would devolve into demolition derbys in no time. With all due respect to Mr. Lahnthaler, it’s these very “agreements” that lead to successful business sessions. Let’s take a closer look …

Start with “Why Are We Here?”

I know it sounds as obvious as pumpkin spice this time of year but leaders, presenters and facilitators of business sessions should always kick off any group work by answering the obvious but often disregarded questions:

• Why are we meeting?
• What do we hope to accomplish?
• How much time do we have to do it?

Establishing an “end game” up-front helps people use their time well and actually gain something from being together. How can that happen unless we’re clear – every single person — on expectations? It also helps to know who will be there, what issues are already on their minds, and what outcomes matter most to them. Oftentimes, people come from different backgrounds and don’t yet realize certain agreements exist. That’s when you get pushback, frustration, or flat-out resistance. Setting those boundaries [“agreements”], stating them, and creating a common platform or environment that works for everyone is not just useful, it’s essential.

The Invisible Agreements We All Carry

Think about it: Normal, everyday conversation relies on unspoken agreements. We just don’t consciously think about them or state them up-front when we chat with a spouse, a friend, a co-worker, or a neighbor. It’s understood — we all use a common language, we’re typically polite, listening is a give-and-take, and if the other party opens up, we’re more likely to do the same. All this is wrapped in respect. But when assumptions don’t line up, things can go downhill quickly.

Now scale that up to a whole group, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in misunderstandings, biases and close-mindedness that could have easily been avoided. And that’s precisely why establishing these agreements up-front is so important. It’s not about rules to restrain people, it’s about creating an environment in which all may contribute and, more importantly, benefit.

What Agreements Actually Do

Agreements don’t instantly make everyone safe or comfortable. But they do make it far more likely that people will speak up and participate, and stay on-topic and on-task. For the more timid, it reassures them they won’t be shut down and their voice will matter just as much as the more verbose players who will hijack sessions if given a hint of an opening. It also means people are more likely to wait their turn to speak and not talk over other each other, keeping the session from slip-siding into the ugliness of a Congressional hearing. I’ve seen meetings turn around dramatically with just one or two solid agreements stated up front. Something simple like, “Let’s hear first from people who haven’t spoken yet” can change the whole vibe of a conversation.

Why It Ultimately Matters

After several decades in the business, I still find people are inclined to invest a lot more time, energy and concern up-front on logistical matters before ever getting around to the goals, objectives, substance and the agreements for each session. Yes, securing the right venue in the right city on the right dates, easy airlift, food & beverage, etc. are all important but so, too, is the structure, tone, content and guidelines for each session.

Is it time to take a new look at how your next program should be designed and executed, with one eye focused on logistical priorities early in the process, while the other is also focused on messaging, style, structure and session “agreements”? When both are prioritized early in the planning process, the likelihood of success skyrockets.

If you find yourself struggling with this, or you simply want to brainstorm a new and effective way to execute your next program, give us a call. We’d love to help you out.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post Establishing ‘Agreements’ Up-Front Can Propel Your Next Program to Success appeared first on dynami.