Whilst we were in Melbourne at the weekend, we took advantage of the opportunity to go to the stage show King Kong which has been playing at the Regent Theatre since June. We're glad that we did; it was an unforgettable night.
The story and the music were good, although there wasn't that one show-stopping song that you associate with most musicals. But this was one show where that really didn't matter.
That's because the star of the show was King Kong himself (and the technology that created him), rather than any human star. Now make no mistake; the cast was brilliant. But humans simply can't compete with a one tonne, six metre tall technological miracle like Kong.
In the programme, we read that the producers of the show had debated whether or not it should be an arena show (as with the earlier dinosaurs and dragons) or whether it should be staged in a theatre with a proscenium stage. They chose the right option, as far as we are concerned!
From the moment that Kong first appears in the latter part of the first act, it's hard to take your eyes off him. His range of animatronic facial expressions is extraordinary, and his movements are controlled by black-clad puppeteers on stage, and by cables operated from high above. You can see the scale of the beast in the photo above.
And the overall visual effect is absolutely breathtaking. When he rises to his full height King Kong absolutely dominates the eight metre tall stage. The scene of Kong fighting with the serpent is just stunning. And when Kong picks up Anne Darrow in his palm for the first time (see below), the contrast in size between the beauty and the beast is there for all to see.
The technology of King Kong is absolutely brilliant, and its not just Kong himself. A huge LED screen sits at the back of the stage, not that you'd ever know it. And the 1930's are transformed through spectacular projections and lighting; brought to life by the best technology that live theatre has to offer in the 21st century. As we noted above, the overall visual effect is breathtaking, and quite unlike anything we've ever seen before.
We love visiting Melbourne; it's far and away our favourite Australian city. And being able to catch a show of this quality on a visit there was an absolute bonus. King Kong had its global premiere in Melbourne on 15th June, and we reckon that it will become a global success; it's that good. If you happen to be visiting Melbourne over the next wee while, or even if you're thinking of a weekend escape, this one comes with our five-star recommendation!
Disclaimer: We paid for our own tickets to King Kong, and this review is completely our own opinion, untainted by any external influence. We were alerted to the show by a family member who is in the theatre business; and we're glad we were!
Gamification is hot topic in the meetings industry. We all want our conferences to be more fun and engaging, and thus mobile apps have become an attractive option to get people playing. When people share experiences they establish bonds, and that is what live events are all about (human-to-human interaction).
I am a fan and user of technology, and the right tool can be amazing (I find anytime I am critical of anything "tech" there are those who think I want to return to the horse and buggy.. NOT TRUE). However, if thirty people at a conference of one thousand participants play the mobile app scavenger hunt game, there is some question to whether the utilization of the app is a "rousing success".
Several conferences introduce apps for gamification and other purposes, only to have a majority of participants ignore the fun. Many people do not play, and thus it is not a real community activity. Then the organizers use Jedi mind tricks on the audience ("These are not the droids you are looking for") telling the crowd how successful the game has been in creating community. But when people are not playing the game (or outwardly mocking it in the hallways), it is not really useful. The use of technology or gamification are not magical solutions to the age-old issue of getting people engaged while at an event.
Community is not something one can force upon attendees... it either evolves at the event or it does not.... and a only a few people playing a mobile scavenger hunt will not impact the overall vibe.
Should we not have apps or games at conferences? God no...that is NOT what I am saying. We should use implement technology. We must experiment with new ideas or nothing will ever change. But do not stand up and talk about how great it is when an audience thinks it is a silly waste of time or difficult to navigate. Treat it with honesty and get proper feedback on why people did or did not engage.
I recently attended an event where their app was the "star" of the show in the eyes of the organizers..... but the attendees found it hard to use, did not like the registration process, and ignored the games. When I asked people how they liked the app they shrugged. Nobody wanted to admit the app was a flop, but it had no impact on the event.
We all miss the boat when we do anything that takes the spotlight off the people in the audience. Falling in love with technology over the the "conference attendee experience" is a mistake that can easily be made when planning an event. Is it not ironic that we ask people to network with each other and then plunge them into their phones at every break?
What are your thoughts on conference apps, games, and other shiny new tech? Where are they working... or not working? How will they be better in the future?
Have A Great Day.
thom singerThom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com
Each Friday on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their work and personal lives. Each year the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas honors someone in Austin as the "Community Leader of the Year". This year's award went to my friend Joshua Baer.
I attended the party to celebrated EF and their award winners, and it was a great gathering of the Austin Start-Up Community. (A highlight of the night was talking to the delightful Amy Baer, Josh's wife...and clearly his better half!).
Josh is the co-founder of The Capital Factory, and a serial entrepreneur who is committed to helping others. Since arriving in Austin in 1999 he has been an active part of the local entrepreneurial eco-system.
What impresses me about Josh is that he is always willing to meet and chat with any entrepreneur or wanna-be entrepreneur. He never says "no" when it comes to helping those who are pulled toward starting or growing a business.
Congratulations to Joshua Baer on being named the Community Leader of the Year. Well done and well deserved.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
