This week
my father published a book. An old fashioned one, with paper pages, a nice
cover and a great introduction.
It’s in Dutch, and shares
some observations about today’s Dutch society. My dad was/is a sociologist and has
written more books in his lifetime – real studies, big issues, true problems.
Not
to be compared to the things I sometimes scribble – everybody has their own talent.
But here’s
the thing – my dad was born in 1928. And even though he is well in his
eighties, he still has a sharp mind and the wish to share his thoughts on paper –
and with his family, children, grandchildren and friends. He has interesting
views to share with us. From a different perspective, with a unique life experience,
and with a different idea about the things we don’t think twice about anymore –
such as tweeting, blogging, giving our data to apps and stuff.
In the conversations we have, we are teaching and learning at the same time.
That triggered
something for me. Even though in the meetings industry we are talking a lot
about the different generations we need to cater for – are we incorporating the
ones that have left the active workforce? Or can we forget about them?
What are we
doing to keep older generations involved in our meetings? Obviously, people who
are getting older might not want to join in face to face meetings across the
world anymore. But hey, even my dad learned to use a computer when he was well
in his retirement… so I feel that
connections are not the issue here. Then what can we do to keep all involved?
Some ideas…
.
Communicate
all options we offer to all stakeholders – emphasizing the options to keep in
touch online.
Invite our
older members and visitors to stay in touch. Involvement in the community via
skype or hangouts, and by starting discussions on our facebook or linkedin profiles
that ask for the “old”views. For many of our younger members these views can
trigger even bigger innovations.
Match young
and old (former) attendees online – the conversation
of a mix of generations will be of value to all and mentorship can work both
ways. We all have different skills and
the fusion of these keeps the conversation going.
Think about
new services, such as one day or one session passes for the face to face or
online event. Or a subscription to an edited summary of the event – online and
in print. Or think about special memberships.
Think about
new ways for peer to peer sessions, inviting older members to give short
lectures from the comfort of their homes – and why not a keynote? Or introduce interview
lectures where the questions are crowdsourced online beforehand in the
community.
Celebrate the
history of your event! And let it live
even longer – with a fusion of all stakeholders. Young, old, and older.
Fusion. The best
recipe for innovation.
