Know-How Exchange : Other

One of my clients did a virtual meeting like what you describe. They got a couple of outside experts to prepare short presentations on a relevant topic -- webinar style, highly interactive. (I was one of them, which is how I know about this.)

Then after each presentation they discussed how the presentation was relevant to their task, what they'd learned from it, etc. Meeting was very well received and accomplished its purpose.

I was not really involved in the specifics of the meeting, so I don't know many details, but the meeting host told me afterward that the presentations really went over very well. (I doubt that he was just trying to flatter me.)

It's possible that they just got lucky and had experts who were highly relevant, engaging presenters, etc. And perhaps just the novelty of bringing outsiders to the meeting was refreshing. (The group used to meet quarterly in a central location, with no outside participants.)

Overall, I think an approach like this is better than an irrelevant gimmick or game of some kind. The participants at meetings like this usually want to get their jobs done, not be entertained. When you get too "cute," they feel like you're not respecting their time.

Hi, Seth! Welcome to KHE. :)

I can probably offer ideas if you can tell me more about your task force and what you're trying to accomplish. If that info is too sensitive to share here, though, check my profile page for my contact info and let's talk!

Some of the fun, innovative things you can do will depend on the web conferencing platform you decide you use. Have you picked one yet? I'm betting you'll have the best results with one that is Flash-based.

Hope to hear back from you, whether it's here or offline...

Shelley
Killer Webinars

Thank you, Shelley Killer Webinars. I want to know more! Our task force is dedicated to innovation among associations and is made up of association executives and expert consultants. We have identified three initiatives that we want to develop, either as full-fledged recommendations to our sponsor for pursuit, or to carry out on our own.

In the past we have met twice face-to-face for two full days. In between there has been a series of teleconferences. These folks are top-level performers. Although, like mgoodman says above, they don't have time for anything irrelevant, they also love to be entertained when the fun is on the mark and lets them hit the bulls-eye. They are a good natured bunch and know the value of joy when it comes to creativity.

What else can I tell you to aid in your response?

Okay... so you're not looking for "icebreaker" exercises, since the group isn't new. You're hoping to surprise and delight them at the beginning of the meetings? Maybe midway to keep the energy level high?

One of the SIMPLEST things you can do: Music.

Get 3 or 4 fun, heart-pumping tunes and "mix" them with an app like Audacity (free to download at https://audacity.sourceforge.net/ ). Save/export those as an MP3 file that you can play while waiting for everyone to assemble in your virtual room. Do a different mix for each break and for the second day.

What's cool about this is that the gang will eagerly anticipate what's coming up next. And you will earn their admiration for your DJ prowess. I'm speaking from experience here. ;]

If this is missing that bulls-eye, let's talk...

OK - how do we talk? I'm new at this...