There is something to be said for a slightly sterile conference or training center.
As a designer, I NEVER expected I would be saying this, much less publishing it. In the middle of day 2 of the National Main Street Conference at the Palmer House in Chicago, I realized that my difficulty in focus could have a little bit to do with the combination of entirely too much coffee combined with overwhelming (in a beautiful way) architectural elements.
Sitting in the second session in the Grand Ballroom, I had to make a conscious effort to keep my eyes on the speakers. They were delightful. Their information was useful. I felt like a complete jerk with my eyes wandering everywhere, my mouth gaping open as I stared so very many feet up at the ceiling, at the sparkly chandelier.
My feet jittering and shaking in a silent dance at my chair.
By no means should this be taken as an afront to the presentation. I was visually overwhelmed.
I didn’t realize this until, during the second afternoon session, sitting in a small, dark, standard meeting space that my attention was focused.
My feet were still.
I’d had more caffeine by this point…what is happening?!?!?!? I should be a WRECK right now. Where is the ADD I magically acquired only yesterday?
Why am I NOW able to obtain the level of attentiveness I would normally graciously offer a presenter?
Then I realized…lightbulb clicks on…I’m not visually interested in this room. It’s plain. One short hour later, I couldn’t tell you what color it was. I could, however, tell you that Andre Natta of urbanconversations.com had indeed managed to capture my full, undivided attention as he spoke about the basics of Blogging.
Was his presentation so much better? Maybe a bit. The information more immediately applicable to me? Sure. He was engaging and interesting. But more importantly, he was the shining beacon of interest in the room…not the chandelier…not the plaster architectural elements…not the indescribable red lacquer walls.
The next time I look for a location for a presentation, it will definitely be in a simple space. If you can’t handle that, bring something to doodle on.
