IGDA Finland’s Post

Of Forgiveness, Community Gatherings, and Celebrations: Their Relevance to the Corporate World Last weekend, we concluded the 8-day Jain festival Paryushan, and commenced the 10-day festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam, marking seasons of forgiveness, community, and celebration. Paryushan doesn’t have a greeting like "Happy Paryushan." Instead, we say "Michchami Dukkadam," seeking forgiveness for any hurt caused in the past year. The festival has elements of full or partial fasting and community bonding. Similarly, Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam foster unity and gratitude. These festivals highlight the core values that are equally significant for personal life as well as corporate world. In our fast-paced, often virtual work environments, the corporate 'community / team' gatherings hold transformative potential. Forgiveness is not about others but about clearing your own mental space, letting go of grudges that can poison professional relationships. Forgive, but don't forget. Remember past grievances to shape healthier interactions moving forward (and not to get back at them). Community gatherings like those during Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam can reignite our sense of connection, which has been diluted in the era of remote work. Organizations advocating in-person interactions understand that physical presence fosters a team spirit that virtual meetings cannot replicate. In the spirit of these festivals, bring forgiveness and team interactions into our professional work lives, not just for peace of mind but for effective and joyful collaborations. Embrace work-life integration where personal and professional boundaries blend seamlessly, enhancing each aspect of our lives. Happy Onam ! Michchami Dukkadam ! Happy Ganesh Chaturthi ! Have Fun, Be Happy !  Happy YOU ! #LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset #CorporateCulture #TeamBuilding #CentennialJourney 

#Oktoberfest 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀! 🎉 I used to live right next to the 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘸𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘦, home to the world’s largest festival – Oktoberfest – which seems to be Germany’s calling card to the world. 🌍   Each year, it attracts over 7 million visitors from all corners of the globe. As a local resident in the neighbourhood, it often felt like a frenzy: everyone was becoming an Airbnb host, hotel prices were skyrocketing, and bakeries were bustling with unfamiliar faces buying 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘻𝘯 (traditional pretzels) 🥨. Supermarkets would fill with shoppers hunting for snacks and less-than-nutritious treats. Day and night, the streets would come alive with partygoers reveling in a heightened sense of 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘦 𝘥𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘳𝘦. 🎊 At times, it could all be a bit overwhelming!   Yet, despite all the chaos, I find myself irresistibly drawn back to Oktoberfest. It’s the unmistakable spirit that captivates me: 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘯𝘥𝘭 and 𝘓𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯, the sound of laughter, toasting to 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘦𝘮ü𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘬𝘦𝘪𝘵, and the vibrant atmosphere that effortlessly turns strangers into connections, or at the very least, makes it easier to break the ice.   The Oktoberfest demonstrates how celebration fosters communication and builds meaningful connections. 🎈 Festivals serve as the universal key that brings people closer, whether in ancient times or today.   What have I learned? Communication goes far beyond words; it thrives through shared experiences, cherished traditions, and the power of connection. 💬 #Munich #Communication #Networking

🌟 Unlock Unforgettable Experiences with TokensFor! 🌟 Are you planning an exceptional event or festival? Dive into a new level of excellence with TokensFor's exclusive event tokens! 🎉 💳 Seamless Transactions for Stellar Events: Our event tokens redefine the bar experience, making transactions seamless and efficient. No more fumbling for cash – just smooth, hassle-free enjoyment! 🌈 March Offer Extravaganza: Embrace the spirit of spring with our exclusive March offer! Enjoy a generous 25% discount on event tokens throughout the month. Use code EASTER25 at checkout and elevate your event to new heights! 🌍 Environmental Responsibility: Make a positive impact on the planet. Opt for our eco-friendly tokens, including biodegradable options, and contribute to a sustainable event without compromising on excellence. 🎟️ Load, Go, Enjoy: Allow your attendees to load up their tokens effortlessly, providing them with a convenient and controlled way to relish every moment at the bar. 🔐 Security and Control: Worried about financial logistics? Our tokens are a secure system, giving you peace of mind and control over the event's financial flow. 🚀 Choose TokensFor, Choose Excellence: Elevate your event to extraordinary heights with our premium event tokens. Make every transaction count, and let the experiences linger in the hearts of your attendees. 📣 Act Fast! The EASTER25 offer is valid throughout March. Don't miss the chance to make your event iconic. 🎁 #TokensForEvents #EventExcellence #MarchOffer #SustainableEvents #EventPlanning #BusinessEvents 🥂

As we continue to enhance the LPS 2025 experience, we continue to welcome more sponsors joining us on this exciting journey. Our panels promise to delve into a range of relevant topics that cater to the vibrant community of professionals attending the event. Among the anticipated discussions, Corporate Events: 'Calculating Clear Practices' will explore effective strategies and innovations in the corporate event space. A Look Forward: 'Patterns, Predictions & Actions' will engage attendees in forecasting industry metrics that influence decision-making and strategy. The 'Purposeful Nomads: Travel & Hospitality' panel will showcase how the travel sector is evolving to meet the demands of modern consumers, while Asset Kickers & Risk Wranglers: 'Finance & Liability' addresses the critical financial considerations and exposure that underpin successful events. Additionally, Going The Distance: 'Logistics & Freight' will highlight logistical challenges and solutions in ensuring seamless operations. Emerging technologies also get their spotlight with the Emerging Tech: 'New & Re-envisioned' session, which promises to showcase innovative tools reshaping the industry. For those focused on creativity, The Big Plan: 'Event Design' aims to inspire fresh ideas in event conceptualization. Worlds Within A World: 'Festivals' will provide deep insights into the dynamics of festival planning and execution, while Live Out L!ve: 'Diversity & Inclusion' seeks to champion inclusive practices throughout the event landscape. With such a diverse array of topics, we encourage industry partners to align with us, ensuring LPS 2025 is both informative and transformative for all attendees. Attendees have an exciting opportunity to delve beyond our staple panels and explore the specialized Focused Opportunity panels sponsored by industry leaders. These panels are designed to provide attendees with deeper insights and expert knowledge in specific areas of technology and production. Renowned sponsors such as Video West, Master Tour by Eventric, Lightswitch, Sennheiser, Pk Sound, Absen LED, and Multipoint are all on board to share their expertise and innovations. Each of these sessions will feature interactive discussions and hands-on demonstrations, allowing participants to engage directly with cutting-edge tools and techniques. More being added weekly and of course all this in the inviting space of a Palm Spring Resort in January. https://lnkd.in/gHsGFgEB

CX Fest - An adventure with the CX Community returns to tear up 172 year old work event rulebook.👀✨ 📅 September 5 - 7 📍 Wake & Camp, Kiessee Ruhlsdorf (close to Berlin) Check out our informative article about CX Festival 2024 including fun impressions from last year! Haven't secured your tickets for this year's edition? You better hurry and join the fun! Ticket link in the comments.🎉 #cxfest #customerservice #event #businessevent #cx #customerexperience #gathering

Unlock the Benefits of Hosting a Virtual Food Expo! 🌍💻🍔🔥 The event industry is rapidly changing, and virtual food expos are becoming an increasingly popular way to showcase products, meet with vendors, and connect with customers. But why should you host one? ✅ Cost savings: Avoid the expenses of physical space, travel, and related fees. ✅ Reach a wider audience: Connect with individuals from around the globe without the need for travel. ✅ Increased engagement: Keep attendees focused with interactive elements like polls and Q&A sessions. ✅ Data collection and analysis: Gather valuable insights for future improvements and track success metrics. Preparing for a virtual food expo is crucial for success. Choose the right platform, design an engaging venue, create an immersive program, and promote effectively to drive attendance. Creating an immersive experience is key. Leverage interactive features, visuals, networking opportunities, and even gamification elements to captivate attendees and keep them coming back for more. And when it comes to maximizing ROI, utilize analytics tools, collect attendee feedback, develop sponsor relationships, and offer special deals and discounts to boost revenue. Don't miss out on the future of food events! Join us on MootUp, the no-code platform for virtual and hybrid expos. Discover new products, connect with exhibitors, and engage in exciting activities from anywhere in the world. 🌍💻🎉 Click the link to read the full article and unlock the secrets to hosting a successful virtual food expo! 💥🔥💪 #VirtualFoodExpo #EventIndustry #FoodEvents #ImmersiveExperience #MaximizeROI

*1st - 7th September 2024, Coliving Petit Velan, Switzerland* - Coliving.frilingue Have you ever thought of organizing your own Bansko Nomad Fest? You should consider joining us this September in Petit Velan! Coliving.frilingue is hosting a one-week academy, where we’ll all come together to inspire each other and create NomadFests around the world! *What is it all about: We will discuss strategies for attracting attendees and cover all aspects of event organisation, including planning, volunteer coordination, accommodation arrangements, and venue management. *Is it difficult to organise a NomadFest? Last year, coliving.frilingue launched our first NomadFest. The most  challenging part is spreading the word and getting folks to sign up. (As always, marketing is the hardest job!). However, we are fortunate to be part of this beautiful digital nomad community! When we arrived in the Bansko Nomadfest last year, we had just three registrations; by the time we left, 80 people had signed up to enjoy the event. *How do you find the best venue for a NomadFest? I believe we should start small with new Nomad Fests. When The Bansko Nomadfest started in 2020, it had around 150 people and it was up to 700 last year. Some fests will stay small by design, others will expand over the years. In my opinion, 2000-3000 attendees should be the max. Otherwise, it loses its charm. But t's not about the numbers. Rather, it’s just a different fest whether it’s smaller or larger. Smaller events focus more on personal growth, while larger ones cater more to professional growth. Finding the first venue isn’t that difficult; it It can be a hotel with great off-season rates. — Bring 80 people there, help them fill the venue, and they’ll earn per night, per person. Starting small is definitely beautiful.  After a few years, you can aim to grow bigger, but it’s not necessary. The Swiss NomadFest will remain small. Some fests will expand over the next few years. Our next Nomad Fest in Bosnia, taking place from 21st to 28th, will host up to 100 participants. It's another cosy, intimate festival: https://lnkd.in/dgEV3y4h - Nomad-Trail - Virginia Scapinelli Dani Maletic Come and join our event where we learn how to organise a nomad fest and learn from each other. 1 week from 200 Euros including accommodation! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/dkZAb3Ma where would you like to create your own NomadFest? Roy Gibb ALEX VAN DEN ELSEN Marcos Campos Holger Mette Kate Shifman Marcel Wijermars Goncalo Hall Christoph Huebner Seth Ward Plamen Ivanov Richard E. Evensen Joe Fallon Milan Milutinovic Claire Siegert Ivano Stella Gianni Bianchini Andrea Rodrigues Mahsa Homayounfar Markos Korvesis Amber Daughn Jan de Jong John Ho Stella Romana Airoldi Johannes Voelkner Syba / Sybille Tschopp Orest Zub Marie Tuason 🌺 Sharon Zaks 🇮🇱🇺🇦 Uwe Allgäuer Matthias Zeitler Andy Stofferis?

**Celebrating Togetherness in the Digital Age: How Technology Keeps Us Connected During Festivals** As the festive season approaches, it’s a time for joy, celebration, and, most importantly, togetherness. Yet, in our ever-globalizing world, geographical distances often stand in the way of sharing these special moments with our loved ones. However, the rapid advancement in technology has been a game changer in how we connect, celebrate, and share joy, no matter the distance. **Virtual Celebrations:** Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet have transformed our festival celebrations. Families and friends now hold virtual gatherings, sharing laughs, stories, and even meals, creating a sense of togetherness that transcends physical boundaries. It's as if technology has gifted us a bridge to cross over miles, ensuring that no one feels isolated or left out during these special times. **Shared Moments:** #Social media platforms enable us to share our festive moments in real time. Whether it's posting a picture of our decorated homes, sharing a video of our festival dance, or live streaming our #celebrations, #technology has enabled us to share our joy and traditions with a global audience. This not only keeps our distant relatives and friends in the loop but also fosters a sense of global community. **Gifting Made Easy:** The tradition of exchanging gifts is an integral part of many festivals. #E-commerce and online gifting platforms have made it easier than ever to send gifts to our loved ones, regardless of where they are. With a few clicks, we can now ensure that our #gifts reach our #friends and #family on time, adding to the joy of the festival. In conclusion, technology has indeed made the world a smaller place, bringing our loved ones closer to us during festivals. It allows us to maintain traditions, share joy, and celebrate togetherness, despite the physical distances. Let's cherish these technological advancements that enable us to maintain the essence of festivals – togetherness. Happy Celebrating! #Technology #Festivals #DigitalAge #Connectivity #Celebration #Togetherness