Events are Not Just About the Day... but What Happens after

Gary Spinks

— 2 min read
Events are Not Just About the Day... but What Happens after
A tripod-mounted camera of the videography team at Content Rising awaits attendees to film their experiences of the day

For me, there’s no point attending a purpose-driven event, going home and just saying “Well, that was a good event”.

It’s why I have been sharing my takeaways from Content Rising, the brilliant climate communications event at Wakehurst (UK) last month.

It’s why I have been making new connections and having follow-up conversations with people from the event.

It’s why I’ve been thinking and reflecting.

Here are some thoughts and ideas - inspired by the speakers, workshops and vibe of Content Rising (who knows, some may already be out there):

NEWS & MEDIA

  • Media Weavers – people who bring together indie journalists, mainstream news outlets and content creators so local, regional and national coverage for a community is more relevant, complete and diverse...

... and encourage collaboration on and co-creation of in-depth, analytical and specialist topic features (to get more relevant issues out into the open).

  • Citizens Reporters – Regard everyone as a ‘reporter’, who can share news and find news.
  • Mobile Journalism (MoJo) training for communities – teach people how to turn their smartphone into a visual storytelling tool.
  • Testing of news and story types – sharing stories which have a super short, standard and longer-form version (to let people choose how much they want to watch or read).
  • Social funding for independent journalism – the more independent coverage, the better for (local) democracy. Everyone should have access to fact-based, accurate news about what’s happening in their community and the wider world.
  • Guerrilla Journalism – what would that look like?

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Imagine how it might be if:

  • Every worker was allowed a 20-minute daytime nap at the office (to recharge and relax)?
  • More meetings were held outdoors – in office grounds, gardens, parks, piazzas, promenades or even the beach?
  • Everyone was given a weekly Play Hour – 60 minutes to do whatever is fun or playful for them?
  • A free bike or bike exchange scheme started – Give your bike away to someone who might use it (either as a gift or in return for something you want, e.g. a Swap Shop)?
  • Every city was a National Park city?

 CONCEPTS

  • Seeds – what if every person was regarded as a seed... where would we plant their skills, talents and experience to improve the local community and grow a better world?
  • Systems and Ecosystem Thinking (is already out there) – How do we apply it to more of the decision making for our communities, regions, nations and Earth?
  • People-focused and nature-caring car parks – Instead of planning to cram cars into the space, widen the bays to reduce capacity; create safe walkways to and from the supermarket or office building; be smarter with planting (low hedges can be a safety hazard); design safer flows for vehicles – in, out and around the space?

I have lots more ideas in my head and in my notebooks... but these are enough for now.

Your thoughts?

Any comments?

What are YOUR ideas?

What emerged for you, either from Content Rising, this article, or another event, workshop or talk you attended?

Finally, If You Don't Ask...

Anyone want to fund (or donate to) the Scotland Media Weaver or Indie (Sustainability) Feature Journalist role for me?

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