Rubbing Legacy Events Backwards

I have worked in event planning for over 16+ years. Some events have been new and shiny; the brainchild of a team with a new vision for reaching or training their people. Some events have been an annual or recurring event that an organization has been doing for years. Their people love attending and some have been coming for as long as the event has been around. These are legacy events. Having worked on both types of events, I can tell you that those who plan legacy events and who eventually want to do things differently, crash into each other over change. No big surprise.

This dynamic was evident during 2020 when all events went through some type of makeover. One option was changing to a fully online experience from an in-person one. Another was moving to a later time of the year. Maybe it was altering the format altogether like taking an annual event and breaking it up into smaller regional events or the opposite, taking smaller regional events and combining them into one large event. All of these were true. All events changed in some way. 

When planning a legacy event with changes on the horizon, staff often struggle to make decisions. “We have always done things this way” is a common statement heard around the table. When running into this stumbling block, consider these questions:

• Is the way we have always done it still the best way to meet the goals and objectives of the event, the organization’s mission, or serve our audience today?
• Is there a different, more efficient, less costly, more impactful, highly desirable (etc.) way to accomplish the same thing now?
• Do we have feedback from previous years we could respond to and change some aspect(s) of the event to better meet the needs stakeholders are asking for?
• Are there advancements in learning or teaching trends that would be beneficial to incorporate into the methods we use to engage the audience on a deeper, more meaningful level?
• Who needs to be at the table for the organization to make decisions on changes to the event? Who doesn’t?
• What are you afraid of?

Events should morph to meet the ever-changing needs of the attendees. Without staying in tune with the pulse of your audience, you and your events, can become obsolete. Things must change. As the hosts or owners of the event, you are the ones in the position to make changes.

Not sure what to change but know that something needs to? Survey your stakeholders. I have found the attendees are always happy to tell you what they would like to see done differently. Ask specific, purposeful questions that will help the team take definitive action steps. And, not just attendees but exhibitors, speakers, and investors may have input your team may find valuable when considering alternatives to what you are currently doing with any event.

By taking a look at different components and looking at the event from a different perspective (see my blog “Change Your Perspective”) you may be able to bring a fresh, innovative approach to a time-honored event that people are re-energized to attend.

What’s the best thing that could happen?

Have you made changes to a legacy event? I’d love to hear about it!
Please email me your story!

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Schedule a consultation with Tracy at tracybaer.com!