Hold it in an inspiring setting, away from day to day realities. If possible, choose a setting that reflects the focus of the innovation, eg an historical setting when focusing on cultural heritage.
Aim for a mix of participants (private sector, public sector, size etc) to motivate and share from many perspectives. The mix introduces new ways of considering ideas and their potential from other perspectives.
Aim for participants who are leaders and decision makers.
Invite participants from senior front line operations who are leaders and decision makers in their own settings, so that there is a higher likelihood of continued commitment after the event.
Issue pre-workshop information
Ensure that each participant receives a pre-workshop package, including an interview that should be conducted with their ‘front line staff’, which will seek-out ideas they wish to explore.
Engage a flexible and skilled lead facilitator
A lead facilitator is required to provide continuity and to provide the link between all stages of the agenda.
Future ‘thinking’ and prompting at all stages of the process
It is difficult to get people to let go of the day to day and be truly innovative. The process needs to build-in the creative and ‘off the wall’ element to get it going early. An innovative or motivational speaker can set the tone. Participatory and hands-on exercises reinforce creativity and innovation
Gain a commitment from all participants to the entire time frame.
The process should be an intense one, and different from a traditional conference or workshop. It needs commitment by everyone in attendance to be there for the whole process. It is disruptive to have people come and go. The need for participants to be fully committed should be reinforced at the invitation stage and early in the event itself.
Remain focused
Keep focused on the task at hand, during both the planning stages and the event itself. The lead facilitator must be involved in the planning of all elements. A balance between teamwork and actually participating in experiences, which plays a role in the process by contributing to team building and creativity, must be maintained.
Inject a sense of competition
A sense of competition and the forming of task force groups can raise the expectations of all participants.
Don’t forget the ‘Now what’ ?
The program should address the question of ‘where to from here’ in the opening session as well as the closing session. This will help to manage the expectations of participants.
