While the financial commitment for live events can be quite extensive, one-off (single) events fall lower on the Commitment Curve because these events are typically NOT part of a long-term plan, but rather a customary annual event or standalone conference in response to a specific need (e.g., Rally the company around a new business initiative, Launch new products, Change company direction or structure, Specific training or skills development, etc.). Likewise, the speaker is usually contracted on a single event basis as well, as opposed to a longer term relationship with measureable performance criteria. Single Live Events are probably the most common approach for quickly energizing a group, sharing best practices, brainstorming real world problems, andsimply getting people together so they can interact and put a face with a name.

Single Live Events include national, regional, and district meetings, business unit meetings (sales, marketing, etc.), executive retreats, teambuilding events, and the like. They are great for quick bursts of energy and for "Getting the Word Out" on key initiatives, but they are not the best solution for changing behaviors, creating sustainable momentum, or improving overall performance, for three key reasons:

1. The goal often becomes, "Let's fix everything!" Surprisingly, the limited amount of time at these live events, combined with the significant expenses to pull them off, leads to a frantic attempt to address everything. Without follow-up initiatives scheduled in advance of the meeting, conference objectives tend to be all over the map. With a follow-up plan to reinforce the conference, an energizing theme can be developed; training initiatives at the event will complement each other, not compete; strategies and processes will become relevant to real world barriers and challenges; and key objectives will become the focus long after the event is over.
2. Not everyone is involved. Due to the significant costs associated with a live event for items such as travel, lodging, food, conference facility rental, and loss of productivity, these events typically only include a small subset of the employee base – most commonly leadership or top performers. In the end, some people never get the message and many feel left out completely.
3. The energy and message is quickly lost. The follow-up and momentum generated from these events is typically placed squarely and solely on the shoulders of the attendees. It is expected that they will then return home and effectively share what they learned (and felt) at the conference to their fellow employees. However, in reality, they quickly become consumed with the distractions and pressures of the day-to-day grind. Business-as-usual becomes the focus and little of the investment from the conference is carried forward to the organization.

It should be noted, however, that Single Live Events can be effective if used correctly. They have long been the most popular approach by corporations for generating energy and facilitating high level objectives such as industry updates, company announcements, general training, and building relationships. A guest speaker is usually brought in to these events to energize the crowd while making the event more memorable and entertaining. Speakers can range from celebrities, to comedians, to experts in a specific skill or business acumen.

Single Live Events are at the very core of Doug Hanson Performance Group's services and have long been Doug's most requested and successful offering. Since 1996, Doug has been offering professional speaking services to companies of all sizes and across a broad range of industries. Doug’s extensive collection of time tested material, stories, exercises, humor, and success principles allow him to accommodate virtually any program requirement, from a one hour keynote to a multi-day seminar/retreat. His programs are so well received that over 95% of Doug’s clients who originally called for a single event presentation have booked Doug again and again for on-going services or additional events. Doug defines Single Events into 4 categories:

• Keynotes (75 minutes or less)
• Extended Keynotes (90 minutes - 2.5 hours)
• Half Day Workshops (3 - 5 hours)
• Full Day Seminars (6 - 8 hours)

Information about each of these, including unique characteristics, potential topics, fees, and why Doug is the best fit for your event, are described on the Speaking Events page.