Smart Meetings Elevate Experience at the newly renovated Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego activated the principles of audience engagement by putting the emphasis on engaging both the “experiencing self” and the “remembering self” as IMEX Head of Programme Tahira Endean described it in her Science of Happiness Finale.
In a world where anger, stress, sadness, physical pain and worry—unhappiness—has been rising for 20 years, according to a Gallup poll, helping people get uncomfortable and vulnerable in a safe place so they can stretch their neuroplasticity and be more comfortable with change physically, mentally and emotionally is one of the most important jobs on the planet.
Designing Events for Transformation
Opening keynote Jacques “The Party Scientist” Martiquet activated a “Laboratory for Shared Joy” to get people moving, asking meaningful questions, practice choosing gratitude, celebrating social risks and changing their physiology. What was the result of all the trust falls, probing questions and conga lines? Strangers became friends and everyone felt included.
Martiquet’s formula? Joy multiplied by connection equals the greatest antidepressant.
Learn More: Finding Joy at Events with The Party Scientist
The Power of Belonging
That welcome message was echoed by Denise Soler Cox, award-winning activist filmmaker, top 100 podcaster and international speaker who used her lived experience to produce the movie Project Eñye. After years of talking about the importance of belonging—and being asked about imposter syndrome—she came to the realization that the first step to belonging to a place or group is to feel that you belong to yourself.
She shared tips for bridging competing value systems—collective vs. individualist mindsets—that many audiences bring by intentionally putting elements in place that will please diverse attendees. Starting with a “We’re so glad you are here,” and giving people time to tell stories will allow them to feel heard.
Read More: Smart Chat: Denise Soler Cox on Encouraging Belonging
A Welcoming Oasis
The authentic connections, indoor-outdoor meals and networking played off the energizing effects of sunlight and a luxuriously verdant background. Garden-to-table cuisine nourished body and soul while highlighting the abundance of dining choices on the property and catering to all dietary requirements.
The closing reception included grilled watermelon gazpacho with tequila swordfish ceviche (dairy and gluten-free), lobster rolls with tarragon and lemon aioli, Robbins Island wagyu striploin with honey saffron onions and grilled asparagus and a black truffle demi sauce. A Mexican street corn station was in keeping with the Southern California destination and pavlova with berries and greens from the garden left everyone on a sweet note.
Varying the setting over the property’s 26,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and abundant outdoor patios and gardens allowed attendees to stay on property and still experience a sense of discovery.
The Gift of Agency
The experiential gifting lounge that has become a signature part of the Smart Meetings Experience over the last few years was just the beginning of the personalized approach to saying thank you for attending. Commemorative and AI headshots from BoothEasy greeted guests while pampering products from Terramar, a DMC Company, sunglasses from Select Shades, tasting from Lady Somm, coolers from Halo Branded Solution and Snip Tease clothing artistry.
