Event Formats
About tables and chairs
There is an optimal setting for every event. How efficient a training course is and how creative a workshop is depends on the choice of format and the appropriate location. Is a classic format more suitable for your event or does an interactive format promise more success? What kind of seating is suitable and what locations are available to make your event a well-rounded affair?
Which format will make the event a success?
A Lecture or speech usually takes place in front of a large audience. Depending on the length of the lecture, simple rows of chairs are suitable here, or standing room for shorter speeches.
Many participants are usually expected at a Congress, a professional conference or the annual kick-off event. Tables are necessary to provide space for writing utensils and documents. Appropriately large rooms are advantageous so that all participants as well as speakers have enough space. A location that is easy to reach is recommended, as participants often come from all directions. Sufficient rooms should be available for possible overnight stays and the gastronomic offer should be geared to large events.
Creative workshops and smaller meetings focused on brainstorming need the right space and a relaxing ambience to focus on group work and discussion sessions. Tip: The fishbowl format, with its inside and outside circle seating, is a very good method that supports group discussion leadership.
Locations for creative workshops should offer attractive framework programs for team building, because joint activities strengthen the group. The surroundings and the immediate environment play a very special role when it comes to creativity; rooms in an exclusive, original or inspiring environment help participants to become creative. Alternative seating: The individual chair circle illustrates the uniqueness of the participants through different, individual chairs.
The Open Space format is primarily a method for large groups. In terms of content, no topics are predetermined; each participant can bring complex, urgent common, but also personal topics to the plenary. In the plenum, a circle of chairs is common. Subsequently, the topics are elaborated in working groups, the results are collected at the end. It is important that the rooms for the working groups are not far away, otherwise extra time must be planned for the room change.
Bar Camp is also a suitable method for large groups, but the format is organized a bit more relaxed. At the beginning, there are various sessions to identify topics. As many participants as possible should contribute with presentations or in discussion rounds. Both formats have one thing in common: no tables are needed.
The World Café method requires tables. Here, the participants sit distributed in the same room at small tables with a maximum of 8 people and work on questions that have already been defined in advance. The predefined "right" questions are actually the characteristic feature of the World Café. They must arouse curiosity and stimulate discussion. They are posed openly so that each participant can easily enter into the dialogue.
A slam is similar to the method of a short presentation tournament. In short presentations, speakers (slammers) present their contributions, usually contributions of ideas, inventions and research. At the end, the audience judges the slammers and a winner is chosen. A Business slam is ideal when special topics and challenges are to be presented to the college in a short time frame of about 10 minutes. The entire event is moderated; in a relaxed atmosphere, expert knowledge is conveyed to everyone in a crisp and witty manner.
Sometimes a longer, more extensive brainstorming session is needed to find solutions. This is where a Thinkathon comes in handy. This format usually lasts 2 days or even longer. A feel-good atmosphere with plenty of space and room for individual development supports the success of a thinkathon. Everything that increases creativity and concentration is welcome. Healthy catering, exercise offers and the provision of various materials and aids help in the development of solutions.
Product presentations using the Pecha Kucha method? Try it. No more boring presentations with the potential to fall asleep thanks to this multi-method originating from Japan: 20 slides, 1 image per slide, 20 seconds per slide, duration of the entire presentation is 6 minutes and 40 seconds. There are no graphs and no text. Maybe a new way to present your company in a memorable way?
Find out from your MICE Desk which conference hotels with their offers are best suited to your planned event format.
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