Why I Run Live Events and Why You Should Too

Have you ever wondered why some people are so passionate about organizing live events? Or perhaps you've been toying with the idea of hosting your own event, but you're not quite sure if it's worth the effort? Well, let me tell you—there's more to live events than just “connecting.”

As someone who regularly hosts live events, I can confidently say that the benefits go far beyond networking. In fact, I've identified three key reasons why I continue to run these events—and why I believe you should too. Let's dive in.

1. Philanthropy: Giving Back While Connecting

One of the main reasons I run live events is for philanthropy. Yes, you heard it right. I give all the ticket money away. But before you dismiss this as a crazy idea, let me explain why it works.

Creating a Win-Win Situation

At my most recent event, we raised £800 for Jai Dog Rescue and Drive Forward Foundation. By donating the ticket money, I get to continue helping others while drawing more people into the event. In fact, well over 100 people registered for this one. The attendees feel good about their choice to be there, and that’s a vibe you can really feel in the room. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

So, if you're thinking about hosting your own event, consider making it a charity event. Not only will you be helping a good cause, but you'll also attract more attendees and create a positive atmosphere.

Building a Community of Givers

When you host a charity event, you're not just raising money for a good cause. You're also building a community of givers. People who attend these events are often generous, kind-hearted individuals who want to make a difference in the world. By bringing these people together, you’re creating a powerful network of like-minded individuals.

Don’t underestimate the power of philanthropy. It’s not just about giving money—it’s about building a community, creating positive vibes, and making a real difference.

2. Anti-Echo Chambers: Encouraging Diverse Perspectives

Another reason I run live events is to break free from the echo chambers that are so prevalent in today’s digital world. Let’s face it, algorithms are really good at creating confirmation bias. The more we engage with things we find agreeable, the more we’re sent stuff like that. So how do we break free from this cycle?

Building Panels with Diverse Perspectives

One way I tackle this issue is by building panels with diverse perspectives. At my recent event on social selling, I made sure to invite speakers from different backgrounds and industries. If I had just invited a bunch of funnel builders, we’d have six people all giving the same answers. Hardly very educational, right?

By inviting speakers with different perspectives, we were able to have a more stimulating and educational discussion. So, if you’re planning to host your own event, make sure to invite speakers who can offer a range of viewpoints. It’ll make your event more interesting—and more useful.

Learning from Different Angles

When you host a panel of diverse voices, you and your audience get to learn from different angles. That kind of perspective shift is hard to get in algorithm-fed timelines. It’s challenging at times—but always worth it. The best way to grow is to engage with ideas that challenge your thinking.

3. Mental Health: Changing Your Environment

The third reason I run live events is for my own mental health. As someone who spends a lot of time on Zoom calls, I find that changing my environment through travel keeps my brain stimulated and my worldview broad. But how exactly does this help?

Stimulating the Brain Through Travel

Even though going into London is hardly “travel,” it’s still a shift in my environment. And I find that this change helps to awaken my mind. In fact, the previous four events before this have been in Barcelona, London, New York, and Los Angeles. Engaging with different places keeps work from getting stale. I suggest you try it too.

So, if you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, consider hosting a live event in a different city or country. It might just be the change of scenery you need to stimulate your brain and reignite your passion.

Experiencing Work in New Ways

Hosting live events in different places also allows me to experience my work in new ways. I’m excited to be lecturing in Valencia next week and keynoting at Linkedify in Oslo in June. These opportunities wouldn’t have been possible if I had just stuck to my usual routine.

So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try hosting a live event in a new place. You might be surprised how much it changes your perspective—and energizes your business.

Conclusion

Running live events is not just about networking or promoting your business. It’s about giving back to the community, encouraging diverse perspectives, and taking care of your mental health. So, if you’ve been thinking about hosting your own event, I hope these reasons have given you the motivation to take the leap.

Your next event might not just help others—it might change everything for you too.

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