By Kickass Conferences
5
22 ratings
The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.
Explore a world of community building and event success with our season 3 recap! From strategic planning to seamless execution, discover the interconnected tales of triumph in three key themes: strategy, process, and experience.
We'll recap:
00:01 - Recapping Themes in Make It Kickass
We had incredible guests this season and were amazed to find that even though they hadn't spoken to each other, they connected on similar stories. We covered three major topics throughout the season: strategy, process, and experience.
15:47 - Meaningful Event Experiences
Throughout the season we spoke to our guests about creating meaningful experiences for our attendees. We emphasized making sure attendees feel seen and heard, and setting expectations through communication. We also discussed applying a ‘lazy attitude’ to event production and how it can help reduce friction for attendees. Lastly, we discussed how technology can often get in the way, but emphasized that the goal is to design experiences that allow people to connect with each other on a human level.
31:59 - Storytelling's Power in Event Production
We discussed the importance of being conscious and intentional with the stories we tell and how this can create meaningful experiences for our attendees. We explored how we, as event producers, can craft the event story for our attendees and how this can help them connect with each other.
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
See you in season 4!
We discuss the practical storytelling insights drawn from our conversation with experienced storyteller Mike Pacchione. We chat about striking the right balance in narrative details and the tangible impact of shared language in storytelling.
Key Topics and Takeaways01:17 - Exploring the Power of Storytelling
When can details in a story become a red flag? We explore the line between providing enough detail to establish trust in the storyteller, and offering too much detail and creating distrust.
14:36 - Storytelling's Power in Shared Language
We explore how storytelling can be used to connect with people but can also be used to manipulate them😬. We examine how the details of stories can create a shared language among a group, strengthening their bonds. We reflect on our own experiences with people who are naturally talented at storytelling and how these tales can be remembered even after the teller is gone.
21:56 - Importance of Narrative in Event Hosting
We discuss the importance of narrative when creating a program or talk for an event. We also consider how context is essential for establishing empathy with an audience.
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Next episode: Wrapping up Season 3!
What is the secret to delivering an unforgettable talk? That's what we're unpacking in our latest episode with Mike Pacchione. We get into the nuances of storytelling, differentiating between narratives and stories, and exploring how the right structure married with vivid details can paint vibrant pictures in the minds of the listeners that they’ll remember for years to come.
Guest BioMike Pacchione is an international speaker and speech coach who specializes in helping executives, athletes and entrepreneurs deliver smart and engaging messages to audiences of all sizes. Among his client list are James Clear, Laura Belgray, Don Miller, Amy Porterfield, Pat Flynn, Scott Hamilton, and more than 10,000 employees from companies like Apple, Google and Nike.
Connect with Mike at his website bestspeech.co!
Key Topics and Takeaways00:07 - Tell Better Stories With a Speech Coach
We sit down with Mike Pacchione to discuss tension, editing, and detail to tell better stories and build better talks.
10:23 - The Importance of Storytelling in Communication
We discuss storytelling vs narratives, storytelling's power to build communities and Mike's journey into speaking with ADHD.
27:51 - Leveraging Storytelling for Effective Presentations
Emphasizing relatable stories over remarkable ones, storytelling to create connections, and the vulnerability of sharing your story.
41:07 - Best Speech Coaching and Freebies
Tips on public speaking, storytelling, and engaging an audience.
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Additional ResourcesNext episode: Exploring the Power and Influence of Storytelling
We reflect on our conversation with Jordan Hayles and discuss making events inclusive and personally resonant while challenging conventional event planning norms. How do we strike a balance between structure and personal discovery, within a welcoming atmosphere?
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Key Topics and Takeaways02:07 - Conference Impact, Transformation and Exploration
We follow up on our interview with Jordan Hales, discussing how to make sure attendees leave an event transformed. We emphasize the importance of considering the full humanity of attendees and how to create moments of inclusiveness that remind us of our shared humanity.
10:57 - Creating Inclusive Event Spaces
How do we make events welcoming and inclusive for attendees, and how do we foster a sense of safety and freedom for participation? We look at providing structure and guidance without forcing engagement, and how to create an atmosphere that encourages people to take risks.
22:32 - The Cultural Significance of Dance
We explore the significance of dance in indigenous communities and how it has been lost in modern American culture. We discuss the importance of allowing people to express themselves through dance, and how movement and dance can embody every emotion.
Additional ResourcesWant to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Next episode: Fine-Tuning the Art of Storytelling with Mike Pacchione
Get ready to move and groove with Jordan Hayles! In our chat with Jordan, she passionately shares her journey to becoming a dance ambassador, and the power she believes movement holds in connecting people. She gives us insight into how she incorporates movement into conferences, bringing energy, engagement, and excitement to the event. You'll learn about her unique ability to fill people's hearts with music and dance and how it helps bring out the best in everyone.
Guest BioJordan Hayles is a multidisciplinary artist who works as a host & emcee of forward-thinking conferences online & across the globe through dance. She calls herself a Dance Ambassador to the World, and encourages movement in the most ordinary and extraordinary ways … in places where movement is easily forgotten or unexpected like work and conferences!
Find out more about Jordan's work at jordanhayles.com
Key Topics and Takeaways09:15 - Movement Creating Connection
Jordan Hayles shares her philosophy that denying movement denies life. We discuss how movement unlocks something in the human spirit and how the collective energy of a group contributes to the overall event experience.
23:20 - Collective Expression
Jordan shares an epiphany about how the audience in an event can be part of a collective without without physical presence, and how the power of the music and choreography can be seen from a different perspective.
30:24 - Music and Connection
Jordan shares her experience as a musician and the spiritual connection she has with music. She speaks to the power of traveling with music, finding joy in different genres of music and fruits, and the importance of bringing humanity to events through music, movement, and storytelling. We explore how music, movement, and storytelling can create a deep connection between people and how Jordan facilitates exchange between people by helping them let their guard down and explore their own expression.
Additional ResourcesWant to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Next episode: Making space for dancing and connection at events
After our conversation with master improviser Gary Hirsch we sit down to discuss our biggest takeaways and how we can use that to create better community experiences.
Some of the topics we touch on this episode:
11:32 - Leadership Failures and Ignoring Community Impact
We talk about the problem of seeing people as numbers rather than unique individuals. We share a real example where an event organizer didn't think about the audience and added an interview with a political candidate that didn't fit the event's theme, causing a bad experience for everyone.
20:18 - Introverts, Networking, and the Importance of Acknowledgment and Connection at Events
How are introverts coping with events nowadays? We address the challenges introverts encounter during networking and talk through some tools and conversation starters to use. We also highlight the advantages of creating relaxed opportunities for attendees to connect without overcomplicating things.
25:45 - The Changing Landscape of Events
We discuss how people's expectations are evolving as people re-invest in live experiences to rekindle a sense of connection and excitement in their lives. The key message here is the importance of adapting to these shifts, whether you're an event organizer or an attendee, to create more meaningful and fulfilling experiences.
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Next episode: Dance and Connection in Community with Jordan Hayles
Have you ever imagined improvisation and business events going hand in hand? Our latest conversation with renowned artist and improv veteran, Gary Hirsch, will make you think again. We uncover the magic of improv in transforming your typical event into a dynamic, interactive, and co-created experience that is not only engaging but also profitable.
We reflect back on how the pandemic affected event engagement and share invaluable lessons learned on how to leverage psychology and improvisation to make your virtual events unforgettable.
Plus: common pitfalls and how to achieve a balance between the presenter, the content, and the audience.
Guest BioGary is the co-founder of On Your Feet, a creative training and facilitation consultancy that uses the art form of improvisation to help clients such as Apple, Nike, Google, and others create, relate and communicate…all while having a ridiculously good time. He is also a renowned artist, illustrator, and muralist with public works featured in numerous U.S. and international cities.
Check out more of Gary's incredible work with improv at On Your Feet.
Key Topics and Takeaways00:07 - Improv in Business and Events
Explore how improv can be used to create something unexpected, surprising and memorable with other people in the events world. Gary, a renowned artist, illustrator, and muralist, has over 20 years of teaching and improv experience. We explore how to get people to connect with each other and learn through doing, instead of just pushing information into the attendees' brains. Finally, Gary talks about how co-creation and collaboration can be used in events to bridge the gap between people and make an impact.
14:03 - Pandemic's Impact on Virtual Events
How to use the science of psychology and improvisation to create meaningful experiences even in a virtual setting as the event industry still comes back from an all virtual world. We explore the pros and cons of virtual settings and how to apply the lessons we've learned from the pandemic.
19:28 - Improving Human Connection at Events
We discuss mistakes people make when planning events, such as overpacking agendas or forgetting to focus on the needs of their audience. Finally, we look at how to think of an event as a triangle, with the presenter, content, and audience at each apex.
27:26 - Creating Interstitial Experiences in Events
Create more humanity in events by creating structures that allow for these moments to emerge and for people to have freedom of choice. We discuss the potential of programming time for participants to rotate around the room to connect with speakers and discuss the possibilities that can arise from letting go of some control.
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Additional ResourcesWant to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Next episode: Shifting Priorities and Event Engagement
In this follow-up to our discussion with Brian Richards, we tackle the critical balance between efficiency and simplicity in event technology. Brian's 'lazy' approach to tech is a fantastic way to achieve efficiency and gain maximum impact from your efforts. We discuss the value of simplicity in maximizing the attendee experience and the benefits of having a minimum viable system to avoid over-reliance on technology.
Plus: marketing in driving event attendance, the role of swag in creating positive impacts, and the balance between educational content and relationship building.
Key Topics and Takeaways03:07 - Simplicity and Efficiency in Event Technology
We discuss keeping production processes and programming as simple as possible and how this approach allows for the highest impact on attendees and that efficiency is the key. We also talk about Brian's "lazy" approach can benefit us by optimizing for the right goal and not just to do more.
15:55 - Changing Event Preferences for Learning/Networking
We consider how those looking for content may be more likely to attend online events while those looking for networking opportunities may be more likely to attend in-person events. We consider how to create something that meets the needs of both types of attendees and explore a study that found that people prefer online or in-person events based on what they are looking to gain from the experience.
20:17 - Considerations for Planning Virtual Events
Understanding the goals of event attendees when deciding whether to host an online or in-person event. The format of the event should be determined by what the highest priority is and what format will best suit that goal. Social media and streaming services have impacted the perception of events, and this has pressured organizers to provide quality content and resources. It is important to avoid the temptation to do too much in a virtual event.
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Next episode: The Improv Advantage: Crafting Memorable Experiences for your Audience
We welcome event production expert Brian Richards, who brings over 15 years of experience. Brian shares insights on maximizing virtual event production by understanding systems and breaking them down. He discusses his journey in virtual events and the two essential elements for success. We also discuss trends in event sponsorships influenced by the pandemic and a glimpse into the future of the events industry.
Guest BioBrian Richards is an event producer and web developer at WPSessions and has been involved in events for 15 years. His speciality is currently in stellar virtual event production for his own conferences as well as others. Brian helped many clients pivot to virtual events during the pandemic and organizes WordSesh and WooSesh, two entirely virtual conferences for WordPress and WooCommerce professionals.
Learn more about Brian's work at WPSessions.com
Key Topics and Takeaways01:45 - Maximizing Virtual Event Production
We start the episode with Brian sharing insights on best practices for virtual events, navigating the pivot to virtual events, and two essential elements for a good event.
11:56 - Shift in Sponsor Trends in Events
Brian shares his thoughts on the future of the events industry, and how sponsors have shifted strategies due to the pandemic.
19:00 - Hybrid Events
We talk about hybrid events and explore the difficulties of providing an equitable experience for both audiences, cost, effort, and warning signs.
30:48 - Using Technology in Event Planning
Brian discusses tech tools for virtual events, audience engagement, accessibility, data collection, and event software.
36:47 - Simplified Registration and Engaging Virtual Events
Brian talks email authentication, pre-recording talks, and having an outcome in mind to ensure event success.
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Additional ResourcesWant to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Next episode: Less is more: Streamlining event tech
We get into the nitty-gritty of community building and inclusion, the art of event registration and explore making the most of technology while keeping things personal. As we reflect on our conversation with Jedd Chang, we get into the balancing act of using technology that helps events run efficiently while not taking away from the human experience and opportunities for connection.
Key Topics and Takeaways01:25 - Creating Engaging Events With Lasting Impact
We explore the importance of creating events that focus on building community and providing a sense of inclusion for attendees. We look back at our conversation with Jedd Chang and the World Domination Summit.
10:41 - Human Connection in Event Registration
We discuss the importance of making events more personable and creating a sense of connection with attendees during the registration process. We look at how technology can be used to improve the registration process while still keeping the human element.
19:08 - Attendee Communications
We examine how providing a personalized experience for attendees can help them feel seen and heard and we explore how small touches can help attendees feel welcomed and create a more meaningful event experience.
24:09 - Effective Attendee Communication Throughout Events
Providing communication to attendees prior to, during, and after the event is important. Giving information ahead of time can help staff, attendees, and create trust that the event is happening. Logistical information can help attendees feel prepared and taken care of. Continuing communication during the event, particularly with changes or updates, is essential to help attendees stay informed.
Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.
Next episode: Mastering Virtual Events with Brian Richards
The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.