The Human Element

Let’s face it, corporate events can often feel sterile and impersonal. Rows of chairs facing a podium, monotone presentations, and awkward networking lunches – It is easy for a well-intended event to unintentionally feel soulless. Our goal at Acquire is to bring the human element to the obligatory, making every corporate engagement we execute one to remember.

In restaurants, we do ‘family meals.’ A meal is prepared and the staff sits together to eat before the busy dinner rush. It is one of my favorite times in a restaurant. It is the calm before the storm, a time when people from different backgrounds, that do different jobs and speak different languages come together to share a meal. At some restaurants, family meal is an afterthought. It’s the odds and ends of what didn’t make it on the menu, but my favorite restaurants use family meals as an intentional gathering designed to lift each other up, and make everyone feel valued, appreciated, and nourished. Even in the fanciest Michelin restaurants, family meals are not stuffy, what it always is is HUMAN.

Why the Human Element Matters

As we plan the details of our events, we often think of logistics versus what the impact of each of our choices will have on the way we make people feel. People crave interaction and a sense of belonging.

Events that prioritize human connection, not only boost engagement but also:

Build stronger relationships - by fostering interaction between colleagues from different departments, they break down walls and encourage collaboration.

Increase knowledge retention- interactive presentations and discussions are more memorable than passive lectures.

Boost employee morale - a fun and engaging event shows employees they’re valued.

When planning your next event to have maximum impact, consider the following:

What do I want my attendees to walk away with?

This can be tangible or intangible. How do I want them to feel? What do I want them to learn? Remember the power of storytelling. Weaving in human stories into presentations can lighten the mood and set the tone for attendees to be more open to sharing. Interactive activities are designed to drive valuable takeaways and are more powerful than one-way lectures.

How do I want them to feel?

When you tug at people’s heartstrings, you leave an impression. Celebrating achievements and milestones is one way to create memorable moments. An awards ceremony where names are called can often fall flat. Asking a few people to say a couple of words about someone who is being recognized with a valuable prompt like: “What makes _____ special? Or a valuable member of the team?” is sure to create a more impactful moment than handing out a gift card.

What connections do I want them to make?

The guest list is intentional. When deciding who will attend, consider the dynamics you are looking to create. Rarely are these ‘the more the merrier’ types of engagements, so be intentional about who you invite. Carefully consider all the details when arranging networking breakout sessions and seating assignments. Grouping people together must be an intentional, thought-out act, not an afterthought.

It is all about creating an environment where people feel comfortable interacting, sharing ideas, and building relationships. By bringing the human element to the obligatory, you will create more impactful and memorable engagements.