It begins

Last week and yesterday, a core group of us met to take the overnight event idea further – and that’s exactly what we did. In short, we decided to…just do it. “Just do what?” you ask.

* We will hold a kick-off overnighter as soon as we can (Jeff Stec and I are going to pick a date before the end of this week, so NOW is the time to tell us when you can or cannot make it!).

* This first run will be a learning experience for us all – in addition to being a lot of fun – and allow us to get going without the pressure of pulling off The Event of The Millenium.

* We’ll follow this kick-off event with quarterly overnighters. Once per quarter seems to be a timing structure that everyone can get on board with – not too frequent, but frequent enough that if you can’t make this one, you can probably make the next one.

* While being laidback and with an agenda created and driven by participants, there will be a definite structure within which all this freedom and chaos will operate. We’ll start with some informal introductions and conversation starters, then move right into the open space portion of the night. And while casual-but-intense is the vibe, the intense part means that there will be plenty of opportunities for relaxation.

* Instead of putting a load of time, energy, and resources into getting sponsorship for food and drinks, we’re going to go with potluck provisions – at least for this first event. If those aren’t adequate to see us through the night, we’ll have some pizzas delivered when the sound of growling stomachs gets too distracting. Beer and wine will also be more than welcome.

* We’re not going to get bogged down in trying to predict outcomes or set goals for this event. The only concrete aim is to get people connecting and creating value, as individuals and in whatever groups may form on the back of the ideas germinated during the course of the event. Think of it as a party with purpose.

* It’s important to get the wording right for the invitations we send to people for this event. I would add here that it’s crucial to send personalized invitations – no eVites or form letters, which are far too close to spam for comfort. But here’s a loose template that you can play with and edit as you see fit (additional ideas welcome – leave them in the comments to this post, please!):

Is there something missing in your Cincinnati? Are there experiences and resources you wish we all had at our fingertips, but don’t know where to start in making them a reality?

You’re not alone.

That’s why we, a motley crew of area residents, are coming together on [date] for an informal but intense overnight party with a purpose. Share your ideas, find out what other people are doing, spark debate, and make the connections to make your vision of Cincinnati a reality. The only thing you have to fear is forgetting your toothbrush.

* We will meet again on Wednesday, May 9, at 1212 Sycamore Street to finalize the date for the first event and get rolling on logistical planning.

Hot damn, I’m excited.