Event
Connecting Before Content at the Hospitality Design Summit
Delivering the opening keynote of the HD Summit, Co-founder of Piccles Chris Bent ignited imaginations and inspired the audience to create outside their comfort zones in a shared experience that felt like "one big group hug"
Emerald Expositions
Executive Summary
At the 2021 Hospitality Design Summit, Rachel Long, VP of Content at Emerald Design Group, sought a unique way to kick off the event and engage the audience. She enlisted Chris Bent, founder of Piccles, to share his story and utilize Piccles to create an interactive, connected experience for attendees.
The Event
As attendees settled into the summit, they found a QR code and a "magical crayon" at each circular table, sponsored by Williams Sonoma, setting the stage for a creative drawing experience.
The Experience
Chris Bent began by sharing his personal journey and introducing Piccles with a blend of humor and candidness. He encouraged the audience to push their boundaries just a little by engaging in the drawing activity, addressing the common disclaimer, "I suck at drawing," with lighthearted reassurance.
As participants scanned the QR codes with their phones, they were invited to draw and see their artwork appear in real time. The activity not only sparked creativity but also fostered joyful connections among attendees, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the conference.
Audience Reaction
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees, initially hesitant, found themselves immersed in the activity, laughing and sharing their artistic creations after realizing everybody else is pretty bad at drawing too. The interactive element broke down barriers, making it easier for participants to connect with one another.
Client Feedback
Rachel Long reflected on the success of the opening session, saying, "Thanks again for delighting our audience with the Piccles platform—and your candid and often humorous commentary on our group’s art. We are so happy it worked out for you to appear."
Conclusion
The use of Piccles at the 2021 Hospitality Design Summit not only engaged attendees but also set a tone of creativity and connection that permeated the entire event. This case study demonstrates the power of interactive art to transform traditional conference dynamics, making for a memorable and impactful experience.