Turning Attendees into Participants

January 9, 2015

I read a tech crunch article recently about Microsoft buying Mojang (makers of Minecraft) for the mere sum of $2.5 billion dollars. If you have a child in the tween age bracket, I don’t need to explain what Minecraft is. This popular video game was founded with the understanding that gamers want to contribute and participate, not simply consume the game. I thought about it and believe there are some parallels that are applicable to the live events industry.

How does this relate to our industry? We’re seeing this same shift with attendees.

Here’s the trend that stuck out to me the most (and related back to the tech crunch article):

1. The transition from “attendee” to “participant” continues- The combination of social media and mobile technology has provided a wide range of attendee engagement options. The entire dynamic of meetings is changing; instead of “top-down” it is “bottom-up.” Attendees aren’t passively sitting at events watching a talking head, meeting participants are demanding a greater say and expect active engagement. This is playing out in several ways:

• Social media apps are used to recruit and engage participants before, during and after events.


• Highly mobilized social media tools (Twitter, Instagram, Vine, YouTube, etc.) are seeing strong use at events.


• Social media hubs and moderated live event social walls such as TweetWallPostanoHashcaster andSocialWall are seeing greater use.


• Gamification is being tightly integrated into many mobile event apps to increase participant engagement and appealing to peoples’ “fundamental needs and desires for reward, status, achievement, self-expression, competition and altruism,” via bunchball.


• Matchmaking and networking options are being built into many mobile event apps.


• Meeting designers are moving to shorter sessions and placing a high priority on audience engagement skills when choosing speakers.


• Meeting designers are moving away from passive theater-style seating to alternate room sets to facilitate discussion and participation.


• Event participants are expecting personalized communication and choices tailored to their desires.


• There are many specialized participant engagement apps and web tools which can be used by speakers (Conferences i/oCrowd MicsEvenium ConnexMeMeetingPulsePollEverwhere,Social Q&A,Klowd and UberMeetings).


• Many “Swiss army knife” mobile event guide apps are building in polling, survey and other engagements tools as well.

It’s not only interesting to see this transition in our society, but in our industry as well. With it happening, we need to be mindful when event planning and empower attendees to feel like they’re active participants.

Are you trying to turn your attendees into participants in 2015? Let us know if you think this mindset will stick and how you plan to adjust your strategy to it.

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Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.