Making the case for slower, messier, more human experiences in a world that rewards speed, polish and scale.
Tears in Hyde Park. A moment of Collective Effervescence
A few weeks ago, I was that mum, hooning down the M25 trying to make it to Olivia Rodrigo with my daughter. Her coach from a school trip was late. The doors were already open. Google Maps said time was not on my side.
We made it. Just. The sun was setting. The crowd was a sea of purple. And as a thousand strangers started singing “Driver’s License”, something caught in my throat.
That charge in the air. That moment of shared presence. Sociologist Emile Durkheim had a name for it: collective effervescence.
It happens when we’re together, in real time, breathing the same air.
That was the spark behind my talk at the Protein Studios, part of the Elevate Mentoring Inspiration Sessions.
The Case for Slower, Messier, More Human Experiences
I shared the stage with Louisa O’Connor, founder of Seen Presents. Together, we made the case for real-world experiences in a world that rewards speed, polish and scale.
Here’s a taste of what we explored:
“Human connection isn’t a luxury. It’s a biological need.”
What COLLECTIVE EFFERVESCENCE Looks Like in Practice
Let’s leave Olivia in Hyde Park, and look at an example from the world of business events.
350 lawyers at their first post-pandemic partner conference.
One goal: to connect.
We decided to host the event in Barcelona, a city bubbling with art and culture. We organised a creative workshop. With paintbrushes in hand, we got our lawyers to create something together.
Later that evening, at their gala dinner, the backdrop was the very installation they’d created.
It was a beautiful moment of collective effervescence. A shared experience and powerful feeling of connection.
5 Big Ideas ABOUT THE RETURN OF REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES
1. Design for Aliveness
That feeling in the pit of your stomach. The spark that tells you: this matters. Aliveness is presence. It starts with attention. Listening to what people really need.
2. Create for the Heart
If it doesn’t move someone, it won’t stick. Emotion is the most powerful memory trigger we have. Design for it.
3. Experiences, Not Events
An event is a time and place. An experience is a story you remember. It’s what people tell their partners about over dinner. It’s what shapes culture in your business.
4. Leave Room for Magic
Some of the most powerful moments aren’t planned. Make room for spontaneity.
5. Use Tech to Enhance, Not Replace
The real magic lives in the room, but I could not deliver my events without technology. Use technology to anticipate needs, smooth logistics, remove friction and free people up to connect.
HUMANS GO FIRST
I believe most of us are looking for more presence, more belonging, more meaning.
And events, experiences are the way we can deliver that – for our customers, for our team and for ourselves.
If you’re looking for more engagement and more presence in your business, the solution is simple.
Create engaging experiences that make people connect and feel alive.
Do you want your next event to start with aliveness
and end with real, lasting impact?
Book a call to make it happen.
A shout out to the fantastic Paul Clarke, The People Photographer, for use of this photos, what a genius.