Several people didn't finish the chapter, found it a bit boring.
Priming
example is having an agenda to meetings.
Useful thinking about workshops, and start to ask some questions a day before.
considered within dating, starting some conversation via messages before an in-person date can help build excitement.
Rails Camp does a little bit of priming now, but initially had a lot more around preparing talks, hack projects. Hype had happened on Twitter, doesn't occur as much now.
Could use Slack, though does it become more an extension of the conference vs priming? Giving a space for people to discuss isn't necessarily priming, but seeding conversation about certain topics on Slack would be priming.
Flash cards for learning attendee names/faces.
Asking people what they want to discuss at a conference, put it on a badge - is that priming? If it's explained why you're asking for them.
Naming/priming is all part of communicating clearly, which is a common thread in all the chapters.
Badges aren't always embraced, is priming of the purpose of such tools necessary?
Put first name large, and on both sides!
Could list attendees at an event, but that doesn't scale. Privacy implications as well.
Invitations to events as a form of priming, and explaining why the invite has been made.
Onboarding as priming.
How can we be better at priming? Consider purpose of organisers, attendees. Send emails ahead of time, build excitement.
Blackmill workshops have a meet-the-host one-on-one chat prior to the workshop itself. Helps to build rapport and trust, and to cater content to people's needs.
Being upfront about interview processes, timing, etc.
Duration as a way of managing expectations.
Appreciating the reminder of priming, as we don't always have it in mind, or don't treat it as important.
People are uncomfortable with the idea of being kidnapped for an event (or other unexpected activities)
Ushering
Example of Fat Duck restaurant, confusion -> relaxed, with setting expectations of something a bit more theatrical.
Immersive theatre, entering through different paths, separate from your social group.
Is changing realities actually worth it? Though, escaping from reality can be great!
Theme park in Portland.
Work meetings in distinct meeting rooms - moving into that space is a light form of ushering.
Unboxing as a form of ushering, launch screens.
When you're given a nametag at a conference, or finding which table you're sitting at for a wedding.
Launching
How to include a Welcome/Acknowledgement of Country while managing the vibe?
Same with keynote speakers - hard to know how they'll affect the vibe.
Challenge of community vs cliques, how to make sure all people feel welcome.
Question about what's the purpose of welcomes to country.
Book: The art of gathering, how we meet and why it matters by Priya Parker (Readings, BookShop, Amazon)
Aiming to read:
MC: @antulik Notes: @pat
See you all at 12pm AEST, March 29th @ https://blackmill.co/meet
As always, if you'd like a calendar invite and/or access to Slack beforehand, get in touch via gday@blackmill.co.