Nicola Kastner + David Kliman ELX #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast ONSTAGE with Ruud Janssen

#DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast - Nicola Kastner CEO ELX + David Kliman Co-Founder ELX + Ruud Janssen Quick recap David, Nicola, and Ruud discuss the importance of involving global heads of events in the design process, the value the ELX organization provides to its members, and the role of ELX events in facilitating conversations. They also shared their anticipation for the upcoming IMEX Frankfurt event, recalled a nostalgic moment from a previous conference, and discussed strategy sessions and event management. Lastly, they outlined plans for their design podcast, "Design to Change," and encouraged listeners to subscribe and share their episodes. Summary Global Heads of Events and Co-Creation Approach David, Nicola, and Ruud discussed the importance of involving global heads of events in the design process and utilizing a co-creation approach. They shared their experiences and challenges in identifying the right people to join their community of event designers and the complexities of navigating large organizations. The conversation also touched on the significance of events as markers of change for organizations, the value of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership, and the role of the Elx events in facilitating conversations that help members do their jobs better. They emphasized the importance of striking a balance between leading the organization and being an active participant in the conversations. Organization Growth and Impact Vision Nicola and David discussed the value their organization provides to its members and the potential for growth in the future. They emphasized the importance of their members referring others to join, as it creates a network effect, generating more value for the community and industry. They envisioned their organization as the most impactful and respected in the world by 2030, attracting members from various professional backgrounds. They further clarified that they are not a membership organization or a trade association, but offer a unique value proposition to their members. Elx's Non-Sales Environment and Learning Process David explained that ELX, their organization, is funded by generous partners and operates in a non-sales environment. The members of Elx contribute their time, collaboration, and participation, which is valued by the organization. Both found the Chatham house rules interesting as a specific boundary to their design. Anticipating IMEX Frankfurt and Future Reflections Ruud, Nicola, and David discussed their anticipation for the upcoming IMEX Frankfurt event. Nicola expressed his excitement about meeting the community and presenting content, while David talked about his fond memories from previous IMEX events and his eagerness to participate in private meetings and conversations with industry peers. Ruud also invited Nicola and David to rejoin the discussion in a year's time to reflect on changes in their respective organizations. Nostalgic Moments and Event Strategizing Ruud and David shared a nostalgic moment recalling a private chartered train ride from an MPI conference, with David relaying his hands on piloting the ICE Train experience and Nicola expressing her preference for driving the ELX train. The group then shifted the discussion to strategy sessions and event management, with Nicola sharing his approach to strategizing and his role as an event owner and planner. Ruud and Nicola highlighted the importance of simple, targeted objectives and the value of cultivating a skill set that combines event design and strategy. The group agreed on the value of mutual respect and the importance of ongoing conversations.