Nowadays, online workshops have become the norm. So there has to be a great reason to bring people together for a real-life event. Expectations will be high. It has to be worth it. What you don’t want people to say afterwards is: ‘we could have done this online’.

So, how do you ensure that real-life workshops feel special? How can you ensure they’re worth the time, effort and money? Here are a few suggestions.

1 Address your toughest challenges

You have the opportunity to make real-life sessions longer than online workshops. Therefore, focus on the biggest, thorniest topics. Day-day business can be handled via online meetings

For example, developing your brand strategy. In real-life sessions you can spend good chunks of time getting into the detail. You can debate, take a break and then re-look at where you’ve got to. You can sense whether you’ve made a breakthrough or reached a consensus via the body language and energy in the room.

Innovation sessions often work best in real life. There’s more opportunity for spontaneity and for sparking off each other. You can scribble, sketch and share. You can speed up, you can slow down. You can use the physical space to create more freely and move around. You can use a range of materials to bring your ideas to life.

2 Ensure there’s lots of social time

It’s much rarer to meet face-to-face in this new hybrid world of work. So make the most of the time you have together. Make sure there’s a good amount of social time. People love the opportunity to catch up, gossip or get to know each other better.

This usually revolves around food and drinks. Breakfast is good and it gets people to the workshop early. Arrange post-workshop drinks. Try and find a nice local bar. Alternatively, go for a walk, or do an activity together.

3 Use lots of stimulus

Fill the room with products. Of course, your own, but also your competitors. Bring other objects that will inspire you. For example, interesting packaging, cool new brands, and adverts. Fill the walls with stuff to look at. Whatever’s relevant to the topic you’re exploring. We can’t create ideas in a vacuum, we need something to spark off.

This is what online workshops can’t give you. The opportunity to see, touch, smell and taste something interesting.

4 Move people around

Sitting in the same place with the same people is draining. Therefore, allow attendees to mix with everyone. This can happen during social time of course, but also during the workshop. Re-form the teams regularly. Encourage as much cross-fertilisation as possible. It also creates energy and makes the workshop feel more dynamic.

5 Maximise the location

Make the most of the facilities available. If it’s a big room, use the entire space. This may involve moving the furniture or playing with the layout but don’t stay stuck in the same area. If there’s a nice garden or a terrace, go outside. Maybe you could work outside, weather permitting.

If you’re in an interesting location, make sure you get the chance to visit the neighbourhood. Try and use it as part of the workshop experience. For example, visit local stores or talk to people on the street. Look out for a nice spot nearby for post-workshop drinks.

6 Exciting Food and Drink Choices

Don’t underestimate the power of great food, drink and snacks. Everyone is a foodie nowadays, so make an effort with the catering. Make sure there’s enough choice for people with special dietary requirements. Food is also a great opportunity to bond.

Have fun snacks available all day to help maintain energy. And of course, ensure chocolate is on hand as special treats and prizes.

Summary

In contrast to the pre-Covid period, people look forward to real-life workshops. As they’re rarer they need to feel more like an event. Think carefully about how you make it extra-special. Go the extra mile.

Use your valuable time together to address tough, strategic challenges. Ensure everyone gets to know each other better. Make it feel 3-D by using lots of stimulus and of course, make an effort with the food and drinks. For some people, this is what defines a successful real-life workshop. As a facilitator bring all your energy. Build in social time. make sure you use the venue to its max and explore the neighbourhood.

Online workshops have their place. But nothing can beat the buzz and excitement of a real-life workshop. Make the most of them.