April | May 2017 | Ignitemag.ca | 33
Products, trends and sparks of genius to
up the ROI on your next program
business
meetings & events
by Connie Jeske Crane
Yet, in an industry all about connection and sizzle,
event planners can struggle to engage introverts.
So, how can we please these attendees? We talked
to two industry experts who shared a few simple
strategies. Oh, and extroverts won't complain about
these either:
1 Understand it's about helping
introverts recharge
Contrary to stereotype, introverts can be
socially adept, strong leaders. But they're
wired differently. An introvert, says Beth
Buelow, founder of The Introvert Entrepreneur
in Tacoma, WA, "is somebody whose energy is
depleted by high stimulation environments."
2 Create quiet spaces
Provide areas where introverts can retreat to
at break time, says David Gouthro, president
of The Consulting Edge in Vancouver. "Just a
number of chairs gathered around, or a couple
of couches for people to have a more comfort-
able conversation."
Have some fun with it: Buelow has seen
"highly sensitive lounges" featuring ham-
mocks, eye masks and ear plugs. "You could
put yourself in this little cocoon and stay there
for 20 minutes."
3 Schedule breaks
While it's tempting to pack in as much content
as possible, if you don't provide ample session
On the
quiet side
Six Steps to Creating
Introvert-Friendly Events
Bill Gates. Albert Einstein. Rosa Parks. Steven Spielberg. What do they have in common?
One thing these outstanding achievers share is a personality trait—they're all introverts.
And recently, thanks to books like Susan Cain's Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World
That Can't Stop Talking, we're learning more about them.
Famous names aside, we have a better sense, for example, that introverts are numerous
and valuable in our organizations. They're often visionary leaders, keen analysts and highly
creative—with insights worth capturing.
breaks, Buelow says introverts will be tempted
to skip. "We just get exhausted and stop being
able to get the value everybody has worked so
hard to provide." The concept of breaks applies
during sessions too, she says. "For the pre-
senter, to be comfortable with leaving silence
in the presentation so people can reflect in the
moment is very helpful."
As for social activities, Buelow advises plan-
ning a range of options to suit different person-
alities—and not forcing attendance.
4 Design introvert-friendly
feedback loops into sessions
Since introverts like to think before they speak,
Gouthro suggests:
