I run unusual events, so making them go well requires unusual planning. A few interesting ways:
Unhinged expectations
Problem: Wanted to run a social aggressiveness event without worrying about hurting anyone’s feelings.
Solution:
By writing an intense event description, the right people self-selected themselves in — and out — of the event. This is essential for any unusual event. Another example:
‘Honorable’ invites
Problem: Wanted to run an intentionally awkward flirting party, but the sex ratio in the SF network isn’t great; also many women were skittish about rando men.
Solution:
I consulted a commitee of 10 women to plan this event well, and they were much more excited about the prospect of this event with Honorable Invites than without.
Plausible deniability
Problem: Wanted to run an event where truly controversial takes could be shared openly. So people needed to feel safe doing so.
Solution:
Examples of what may or may have been on the slips:
“Only white men can save us.”
“Intelligent people are worth more.”
“Bestiality is good actually.”
That said, I don’t know if this mechanism actually helped directly, or just attracted the right attendees and repelled the wrong attendees.
Group debriefs
Problem: I like running unhinged events that could go horribly.
Solution: End every event with a group feedback and story-sharing.
More events
You’re invited
Subscribe to events: chrislakin.events