A question I hear a lot, especially as fall conference season is gearing up is: “How can I use the charts after the event?”
I love this question because I am always thrilled to know that the work will continue to add value after an event is over. Plus, I’ve noticed that clients who think ahead about how to use the charts after an event, also tend to think strategically about how to go beyond the “wow” factor of the medium and truly maximize the graphic recording during their event.
I recently worked with Responsibility.org at their conference for school counselors in LA. They did a terrific job of maximizing the charts both during and after their event.
Here are six things they did to get the most out of graphic recording:
1) Networking. I prepped three separate charts, each with a question written on it. Attendees were asked to answer one of questions while I translated their answers into drawings. These small pictures of their individual stories created networking opportunities as they met and talked to each other about their answers.
2) Social media. People not only shared their stories face-to-face, they enthusiastically posted them on social media. This was the opening evening of a 3-day conference, so the social media created a buzz and set the tone for what was to come.
3) Keep them up. The charts were kept on display throughout the next three days for attendees to review, contemplate, and be inspired by.
4) Data collection. Participant’s answers to the three questions provided valuable information and insights for the organization to use after the event.
5) Create mementos. The individually illustrated answers were framed and sent to their authors as thank-you gifts. (A related idea is to send a printed copy of a keynote presentation to a conference speaker.)
6) Spread the message. The images attendees shared through social media created an initial buzz. And, responsibility.org continues to use them in emails, newsletters, and on their social media platforms to keep the momentum going.
