What does event magic look like?
Have you ever attended a dinner party or event where you ended up having the same conversation ten different times with ten different people? When you left the party, how did you feel? More connected? Tired? Excited about a new possibility?
We’re all in this ride together, but sometimes small-talk conversations at events can fall flat. My experience with large events and fundraisers is that they are an essential component of community building. They can serve a purpose to move your cause forward, and lead to meaningful connections and possibilities. However, as someone who has directed hundreds of events over my career, let me tell you about my favorite.
It has everything to do with every attendee sharing their voice and and listening to the same conversation. Something I’ve loved thinking about, and watching in action, is this ‘singular-voice’ concept at intimate, small events. Sometimes called a Jeffersonian Dinner, sometimes called a Salon, sometimes simply called family dinner!
I’ve planned several of these small, theme-focused dinners and lunches and have always left feeling inspired, connected, and content. That’s what I call event magic. Here’s why I like them:
Theme/Guiding Questions: Guests are connected and centered around a theme/topic/problem statement and asked to reflect with the group. Sometimes the theme is sent out in advance, and other times, it’s presented at the gathering.
Singular Voice: Only one person speaks at a time. This is my favorite thing. As an ambivert, I often feel most comfortable listening in to conversations at events. The structure of this event lends itself to everyone having a voice, and everyone being a listener. Whether introvert or extrovert, everyone has space to play both roles and sit outside of their norm. It may sound daunting, but as conversation goes on, the flow and energy in the room at these events always feels relaxed, buildable, safe, and special. It’s why I love them so much. These events showcase that every voice does, truly, matter.
Deep Connections: People often share personal experiences or reflections tied to the theme/topic. This opens up the conversation to vulnerability, while still maintaining focus on your mission. You learn so much about someone from how they reflect on the question or theme of the night.
Sharing a Meal: During the conversation, guests are seated around a table sharing a meal. I’ve seen everything from a brown bag lunch to gourmet multi-course dinners with wine pairings. The simple act of breaking bread together serves as a grounding force for some pretty deep discussion and reflection.
Let me know if you want to talk more about this event concept! I’m pretty passionate about how the structure lends itself to creating, cultivating and building community.
I hope you will try one out for your non-profit or business and I would love to help create it with you.
