Why “Traditional” Events Are Out...
- Melissa Campbell
- Aug 30
- 6 min read
Most traditional events blur into one another. Same hotel ballroom. Same stage. Same name badge and the same old “networking coffee break".
It’s safe. It’s expected. It’s ordinary.
If your attendees can't tell your last event apart from your competitor's, thats bad business.
Attention is the new currency and forgettable just simply isn’t good enough.
At Just Honest Events, we exist to push boundaries. We don’t believe in doing things a certain way just because “that’s how it’s always been done.” So if you’re tired of old, recycled formats and you feel the need to create an event that people actually talk about and want to revisit...
then read on...
The Problem with Traditional Events
People don’t remember bland recycled events. They remember experiences. They remember how they felt. What surprised them. What made them lean in.
Traditional event structures often fail to deliver that. Why?
Overused formats: Keynotes, panel, coffee break, repeat
Passive audiences: Guests become spectators instead of participants
Spaces that don’t breathe: Rigid layouts and poor guest flow kill the energy in the room
No sensory variation: If every room feels and sounds the same, so does the experience
These formats might tick the logistical boxes. But emotionally? They leave people feeling a little cold.
So What If We Rewrote the Rulebook?
Science tells us that people don't remember information, they remember emotions. They'll remember how you made them feel. That tingle of surprise. That moment they leaned forward instead of backwards.
So, it's time to torch the traditional rulebook and start afresh. Imagine what could happen if we rethink every touchpoint?
Welcome to the world of non-traditional event design. Where form follows feeling, not just function. Where the layout, flow and experience are crafted with as much intention as the content.
Here are just a few ways we do it differently at Just Honest Events:
1. No More Passive Panels
We turn panels into participatory moments.
Lounge-style "conversation corners" where ideas flow
Live participation that turns your audience into active co-creators
Rotating discussion corners where attendees become the speakers
And if panels aren’t adding value? Scrap them altogether. There are better ways to share ideas.
2. Switch Out Keynotes
Why have one speaker talk at your audience when you could create multiple ways to engage?
Use immersive projection or AR-enhanced storytelling to deepen learning
Replace PowerPoint with guided experiences
Live demos where people touch, feel, and discover
Co-creation labs, where you are a part of the presentation and help create it
Audio journeys that transport minds, not just move slides
Open Mic or “Audience First” PanelsOpen Mic or “Audience First” Panels
Learning doesn't have to feel like detention. It can feel like discovery and content should flow like a conversation, not a lecture.
3. Think Spatial, Not Just Stage
One of the biggest failures of traditional events? Poor spatial planning.
We design for flow, not just the show. We think in zones and energy levels, because a well-designed event should feel intuitive, guests should naturally move from high-energy moments to calm zones, without feeling drained or disoriented and include;
Active zones for hands-on engagement
Open circulation to prevent bottlenecks and maximise energy
Quiet corners for meaningful 1:1 connections
Phonebooths for those all important calls that just can't wait
Co-working spaces so people don't have to rush back to the office
Designing how people move is just as important as where they sit and for how long.
4. Rethink the Run of Show
Traditional agendas are exhausting. No one wants to sit through five hours of back-to-back sessions.
We design with attention spans and energy rhythms in mind, here are some of the ways we've changed up our run of show to do something a little different:
Swapped afternoon panels for creativity-boosting workshops
Started the day with a wellness reset or a sound bath instead of a small-talk
Micro-sessions that respect human attention spans: 15-20 minute quickfire segments (TED-style meets brand-specific insight)
Flipped the format, let attendees shape their own agenda in curated content zones (choose-your-own-adventure style format)
Reversed the Agenda - Started with what the audience wants to know. Gathered challenges, questions, or themes in advance and built the sessions around them. This lets your audience drive the narrative.
Designed the whole event as a journey, guests moved through curated rooms or installations, with messaging, content and storytelling unfolding in phases.
Or, we've even looped content (for flexible arrivals or multiple audiences). Instead of a rigid timeline, we repeated core sessions or activations multiple times throughout the day for smaller groups. Guests attended when it suited them.
Your agenda doesn’t have to run top-down with back-to-back sessions and shoehorned in networking coffee breaks.
If you really want to push the boundaries and gain real audience insights don't set an agenda at all. Try an open space format or an "unconference" where the attendees define what’s discussed, in real-time! This is the nuclear option, and, it will only work with strong facilitation and the right audience mix, but is a great option if you are looking for something bolder than your average event and want real insights into your audiences thoughts.
5. Make the Message Move
Who decided the stage had to be the centre of attention?
Use roaming speakers, immersive theatre or multiple stages to guide the story
Turn attendees into collaborators, not just observers
Let the brand story unfold as they move through the space
When the experience flows, so does the engagement, so creating the right environment to keep people engaged has to be the priority.
6. Design That Sparks Emotion
Good design should provoke feeling. It grabs your attention, sparks an emotion and doesn't let go. Surprise. Delight. Curiosity whatever that may be, it can be created with;
Layered textures, light and scent to fully activate the senses
Soundscapes that support (not compete) with your message
Subtly brand cues (not plastering a logo on a wall)
Creating “wow” moments that are discovered, not forced.
At Just Honest, we design for goosebumps, and not just good photos.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All...
We're not advocating for chaos. Of course, tearing up the format may seem that way, but structure still matters, but so does intention.
Every decision should serve:
The brand
The audience
The goal
That’s where a creative, strategic agency makes a big difference. We help brands walk the tightrope between unconventional and unforgettable, but without losing clarity, ROI or descending into chaos.
If you’re just looking to tick the box, we’re probably not the agency for you. But if you want to create something that:
Feels different
Reflects your brand values
Creates meaningful connection
Leaves a lasting impact
Then we’re ready to push boundaries with you.
Let’s Build an Event No One Forgets
At Just Honest Events, we specialise in reimagining what events can be.
We work with brands who are ready to ditch tradition, elevate the experience and truly connect with their audience in ways that matter.
From immersive product launches to creatively-led summits and branded takeovers, we bring bold, strategic, unforgettable energy to every moment.
Always honest. Never ordinary.
hello@justhonestevents.com | www.justhonestevents.com | @justhonestevents
Just Honest Events: Bold, Unforgettable, Brand Experiences
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The content published on this blog is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While we strive to provide up-to-date insights, expert opinions, and industry trends, the information shared should not be considered as professional advice tailored to any specific event or business need.
All views expressed in our blog posts are our own and are intended to inspire creativity, spark innovation, and provide valuable insights into the world of event marketing and management. However, event strategies, technologies, and trends evolve rapidly, and we recommend consulting with a professional before making any major event-related decisions. Additionally, any third-party tools, platforms, or services mentioned in our blog posts are referenced purely for educational purposes. We do not endorse or receive compensation for mentioning them unless explicitly stated.
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