Reposted from Engage365
Last year Event Camp East Coast introduced the peer driven conference to many in the event industry. It didn’t have hired speakers or a program listing session topics.
What it did have was a format designed to: 1- identify what attendees wanted to learn and who in the room could deliver it; and 2 – create a highly effective structure for knowledge and ideas to be shared.
Because it drew some of the most innovative thinkers in the industry, there were loads of discussions. And several people remarked that they appreciated the ample opportunities for networking.
I know because I was lucky enough to attend.
This year Event Camp East Coast will take place Nov. 4-6 at the National Conference Center in Washington D.C. The hashtag for this year’s event is #ECDC11.
Co-founder Traci Browne recently agreed to answer a few questions about the event.
JENISE: What made you decide to do another Event Camp?
TRACI: Well Jenise, as you know volunteering to organize an event like this takes a lot out of you both emotionally and time wise. It’s definitely a labor of love. But in the end it’s all worthwhile. Event Camps draw the innovators of our industry. Those who are passionate about what they do and just as passionate about their attendees experience. Most of the industry events’ education focuses on logistics. When they do discuss innovation they are taking baby steps.
Event Camps are completely different. They are focused on pushing the boundaries beyond anything they thought imaginable. If you tell these people you can’t do something, their immediate reaction is, “why not.” Then a healthy discussions ensues. Disagreement runs rampant but behind that disagreement is a respect of others opinions and a desire to learn and grow.
For that experience I will happily donate my time and ride the roller coaster. I cannot imagine a world without Event Camps or Event Camp East Coast.
JENISE: What were some of the highlights for you at last year’s event?
TRACI: Last year was my first experience with a peer driven event so really everything was so new and different. What stands out was the amount of time you got to spend with the other attendees learning from each other and teaching each other and then socializing. Usually at conferences you are lucky to connect with two or three people. At the end of last year I felt I had connected with almost every person at the conference. It wasn’t the small size that did that. It was the constant interaction with each other.
I would also have to say with a nod to you Jenise, a highlight of the event was your improv session. I didn’t realize the significance at the time, I thought it was just fun, but it’s what Event Camp East Coast is all about. It’s about pushing your boundaries of comfort and trying something completely new. I ended up taking improv classes here in Philly and actually performed in front of an audience. I learned more soft skills for business from that adventure than years of training and conferences.
JENISE: Are you live-streaming the event, why or why not?
TRACI: No, unlike the other Event Camps the East Coast Event Camp will not be live-streaming. Not all formats or technology is right for every event. This type of peer conference is very intense and it’s about being in the now and being with those who are present. Live-streaming would not benefit the live attendees nor would it be something appropriate or work for a virtual audience.
So, if people want to experience EventCamp East Coast they are going to have to be there. We’ve made it pretty easy to attend. The National Conference Center is just minutes away from Dulles Airport or a beautiful drive through northern Virginia. The full conference pass which includes two nights hotel and meals is just $425.
JENISE: How will this Event Camp East Coast be different from last year’s?
TRACI: We changed a few things based on feedback from last year. The first was, people said the event should be longer. Last year was a day and a half and this year will be two and a half days. But we’re not jam packing more content into that time. What people wanted was more white space to process what they learned. We’re doing just that with a bit of extra session time.
We’ll also be connecting with EventCamp Vancouver for about an hour and a half on Sunday to share what we learned at each event and have a bit of fun too. This will give attendees a chance to see how two independent events can connect and exchange ideas.
Oh, and one of the complaints we had last year was the lack of bar at the venue for people to continue the conversation until later in the evening. We took care of that one and have some very fun things planned for Friday and Saturday night. Or, people can have a quiet discussion in a quiet corner.
I’d also like to take the time to thank two others who are helping Adrian and I with this year’s EventCamp East Coast. Greg Ruby and Andrea Sullivan have been a huge help and they are a great support system. Aside from all their help with the planning; just when you think you can’t take it any more, they are there to pick you up, make you laugh and spread some positive energy.
(Photos courtesy of Event Camp East Coast)
