Lori Pugh Marcum, MEM, CMP, CMM, CED (MPI North Florida Chapter), director of events content and strategic engagement for the Path to Purchase Institute, offers an introduction to her June 14 WEC session, “The Human Spectrogram: Crowd-Sourcing Solutions to Today’s Meeting Challenges,” sponsored by OVG360.

“The Human Spectrogram” sounds like a heady phrase. Can you briefly explain what this means?

A human spectrogram offers an engaging kinesthetic learning experience, enabling individuals to position themselves along an axis that represents their emotional disposition or level of expertise on a specific subject. As a facilitator, I strategically assemble a panel comprising individuals with divergent viewpoints or deep knowledge of the topic at hand. This approach not only fosters genuine conversations but also empowers me to tap into the audience’s wisdom and incorporate their valuable insights into the discussion.

As someone who has been through the Event Design Canvas, can you comment on how, if at all, this compares?

Both techniques offer the opportunity to leverage the collective knowledge and perspectives of stakeholders in exploring and addressing a given topic. However, the Event Canvas Methodology takes event design to a more comprehensive level, integrating business goals and stakeholder satisfaction. This approach involves a structured 10-step process where the event team systematically analyzes, describes and outlines the inputs for each component of the final canvas prototypes. The methodology follows a sequential approach and incorporates various visual thinking techniques to enhance the effectiveness of the process. By employing this methodology, event organizers can ensure a holistic and well-thought-out design that aligns with the desired outcomes and engages all relevant stakeholders.

Have you presented or participated in “human spectrogram” sessions before? If so, what was the outcome?

Yes, I have participated in a human spectrogram where we lined up according to our prioritization of either logistics (such as the temperature of the room, quality of food, signage, etc.) or content as the most crucial aspect of a conference or meeting. The facilitator asked participants at both ends of the spectrum to share their perspectives and reasoning. Additionally, individuals positioned toward the center of the lineup had the opportunity to reconsider and potentially adjust their stance on the topic. This interactive exercise ignited thought-provoking discussions and encouraged participants to delve deeper into the underlying reasons behind their perspectives on a given topic. 

Why do you think event professionals can benefit from this approach?

Post-pandemic, attendees seek meaningful engagement and intellectual stimulation rather than passive lectures. They desire to immerse themselves in topics and actively apply what they learn, while also engaging in discussions that encompass opposing viewpoints. In adult learning, it is crucial for event professionals to design content that fosters communication among participants, enabling peer-to-peer learning within groups. By creating an environment that encourages active dialogue, event organizers ensure that knowledge is not only retained but also effectively applied long after the conference concludes.