The Empty Chair - “Energetically” Speaking

So, um, you’re about to read a post on a food blog that has nothing to do with eating or food trends or tasty ideas.  What’s the deal?  This post is really about a silent success factor that is the “touchy-feely” truth about all get togethers, corporate or private.  Do this right, and the food and other elements of events are like the icing on the cake.

Energetically speaking (love this phrase), quietly and invisibly reside many untold secrets of successful meetings, parties, and events.  After 16 years of corporate event planning in Silicon Valley, my business partner and I learned a thing or 12.  We were a cosmic mash-up of creativity and connectivity.  Huh?…I can hear you say.  What about decorations and all the other “stuff” that make events great.

Shhh, here’s the secret:  Great events connect people.  That’s it.  Seriously, it’s that simple.  When people are sharing a space, there’s an energy that whirrs and buzzes along unseen power lines that starts to join event-goers together.  The energy may start with a smile or a handshake or a great conversation.  But then it gathers steam.  The room starts to warm up, and it’s easier for this glue-y energy to circulate.  Believe me, this leads to personal connections. Can’t you just feel it?  Then, when it’s time to eat or listen to a speaker or watch a presentation, “Thunk!”  Hey, what just happened?  Something occurs, and you notice it.  Ugh, it’s a downed and dangling power line.  The pooled and wasted energy of connection is spilling over the dreaded “empty chair.”  Something feels weird.

So here’s the tip when you’re hosting, coordinating, or congregating with friends, family, or co-workers:  Notice and then remove that empty chair.  Squeeze together (just a little) and make a connection.  Oh, yeah, and don’t behave like an empty chair either.  Bring your best self, be present, and participate.  Fully!

Clear the room of empty chairs and watch the power grid switch on.  Magic!

JoniArt

A Taste of Things to Come

Food we were loving during the Summer of Love