Learn how Osano’s Events Marketing & Community Manager, Merry Ellen Austin, designs inclusive, psychologically safe sessions that give every attendee multiple ways to participate, strengthen connections, and boost learning outcomes.
Here’s a quick summary of the episode:
Set the stage before showtime
Set the tone in pre-event comms: what to expect, where to go, how to engage. A warm, simple note reduces anxiety and invites better questions.
Guide the room with intent
A clear arc from warm-in to intentional close keeps energy high and participation steady.
- Warm in: A quick, low-pressure opener to break the ice.
- Connect: Small groups find common ground fast.
- Make it interactive: Conversation, problem-solving, hands-on tasks—skip the one-way lecture.
- Close with intent: Concise reflections to give the session a clear finish.
Design for the back row
Don’t forget to focus on the nervous, quiet attendees. Provide options to participate: speaking, writing, voting, pairing up, or observing and sharing later.
Make accessibility the default
Make it easy for attendees to find what they need and follow along. Think: clear signage, good audio, readable slides, comfortable seating, and a quiet corner.
Small details = big outcomes.
Balance voices, keep it safe
If one voice starts to dominate, appreciate the input and open the floor (“Let’s hear from a few others”). If the room feels flat, acknowledge it and pivot to a lighter, more active prompt.
Show the impact
Combine pipeline/reporting numbers with human signals (NPS, qualitative feedback, social proof, community growth) and link it all to your event story and ROI.
Watch the full episode for more actionable takeaways. It’ll be worth your time.
