We all know that music is the universal language; I can’t imagine a world without music. In music the same rules apply as for events – you need to know the chords to make a harmony. My own musical experiences helped me realise that you need years of practice and a lot of craftsmanship to succeed at both. After you have mastered the basics, you can then make the same relaxed jazz improvisation at your own event.

For each event three elements are required: an idea, space and the audience. When we bring them together we get a congress chord, just as a musical chord requires three notes. There is an infinite number of combinations; the structure can be loose or very formal. By changing the chord we can completely change the nature of the event. From a melancholic minor chord to a happier, loud major.

It always begins with the content. Often the basic idea or the concept of the event is already set. A new IDEA or original idea sets the basic tone to a good event. The idea is important and so is creativity, which brings the idea to realisation. An event fuelled by a story touches the hearts of your guests much more quickly. This requires a heart-storm, which is an upgrade of the brainstorm. Good ideas come from emotion, passion, love. Such ideas create a dialogue with the audience and a spark that leads to a connection.

The idea is a tool to communicate with the participants. Almost every musician claims that the energy they feel on stage is like a drug. If the frequency of idea and the audience are in tune, the event is going to be successful. Firstly, you need the chemistry between the musicians or the team organising the event and the spark will quickly spread to the audience.

What the instrument is to a musician, the venue and location are to the meeting planner. The chosen location is the interpreter of the emotions and ideas of the organiser, the point being that the chosen venue fits the idea and pleases the participants. The choice of location says a lot about the organiser.

The perception of non-musicians who see music as perhaps some kind of unstructured messing around is simplified and wrong. If you are in any kind of a band, rules and set relationships apply. Your ego needs to be put on ice.

Events cannot be forced. Every participant must become a part of the sound or the event. The most thrilling moment is when as a meeting planner you manage to create your own sound and your own style at events. Calculation and manipulation is death; remember, on stage or when the first participants arrive at the venue the moment of truth arrives. Your audience can feel and see everything. The contact you establish with your audience is key. Many organisers hide behind masks, but they should be truthful to themselves and the participants.

In the next issue we will tackle RHYTHM:

“Music is the only noise for which one is obliged to pay.” Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870)

Gorazd Čad

Join our newsletter!

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest updates from Kongres Magazine.