Why some sessions fizzle with energy and others end in a collective yawn
There are meetings where everything is right. The energy, the attention, the rhythm. You walk out with fresh ideas, have had real contact and think: "This will make me happy!". Unfortunately, things sometimes go differently; you have prepared the content to perfection, your speakers are sharp, the agenda is right. And yet... afterwards it feels like there could have been more to it. There was no energy. Interaction struggled to get going. People looked at their phones just a little too often. Why is this? What makes a meeting good?
At Jaarbeurs we have years of experience in organising meetings and events: from small-scale and intimate to grand and impressive. We are happy to share this knowledge with you, so that organising your event becomes a lot easier. Even if you are not a full-time event manager, but organise a training session, symposium, party or team day 'in between'.
It starts with how people feel
People learn, think and decide not only with their heads. They also - or perhaps mainly - do so with their feelings. Whether your brain is open to new information, collaboration or creativity depends very much on how safe, comfortable and welcome you feel at that moment.
It's in little things:
- Do you receive a friendly welcome?
- Is the space uncluttered and calm?
- Is there water within reach?
- Does the lighting match the atmosphere?
The first impression of a room determines how you feel. And that feeling affects how much space your brain has to absorb information. Stress, hunger, cold or noise put your brain into survival mode, making you learn less.
The power of focus
We overestimate how much information people can process in a few hours. And we underestimate how quickly distractions strike. Attention works like a muscle: you can train it, but it also gets exhausted. That is why structure, variety and breaks are just as important as content.
A good meeting:
- has a clear goal
- makes room for interaction
- contains moments of rest
- and provides comfort, so your brain does not wander off to "where's the toilet?" or "what time will we finish?"
It's about the experience, not just the content
A meeting sticks better when it is an experience. That doesn't mean you need balloons or magic acts, it means that your senses and feelings are also involved. Put people in a nice setting, let them recharge, give them something surprising. Then the content will automatically sink in better.
Curious how to pull it off?
In our new series of articles 'Carefree get-togethers', over the coming weeks we will dive into the practical and psychological insights behind a strong meeting. From colour and light to room set-ups, from brain-friendly breaks to choosing the right setting, you will read all about it in the coming weeks.
Next week in the series Carefree get-togethers: 10 frustrations that everyone recognises when you organise a meeting yourself.From beamers that don't work to lunch that arrives late: recognisable annoyances that you, as an organiser, have certainly had to deal with. And of course we share our tips for preventing those very annoyances.
Follow Jaarbeurs onLinkedIn or keep an eye on our blog to not miss a thing.
Carefree organising is carefree meeting
At Jaarbeurs, we like to think with you. Not because we 'have to', but because we see that it works. You don't have to make an elaborate show of your intimate gathering. Or maybe you do, when you have a festive purpose. A little psychological insight makes the difference between a forgettable afternoon and an unforgettable one.
A successful event starts with people feeling comfortable. That is why our conference and meeting rooms are designed to support rather than distract your guests and your objective. With more than 50 rooms spread over four conference centres, we have a suitable space for every type of meeting.
From conferences to company parties, from meetings to training sessions: you organise it at Jaarbeurs with peace of mind and energy in your guests. That is carefree getting together.
Want to know more or schedule a venue visit? Check out jaarbeurs.nl/en/organiseren
