Some more after-thoughts...
We recorded the names of every attender on a map, depicting where they came from. This sequence played as people entered the auditorium - we meant for it to be ambient, background. What we didn't expect was the entire audience to stop what they were doing and watch for their own names. It became quiet. It inadvertently became a programming element... by popular demand.
We also offered iMacs in the lobby for attendees to video chat with people from all over the country. We picked people in advance and had them standing by. What we didn't expect was for one girl to see her long-lost friend from Africa on the screen as she was headed to the restroom. It was truly a "You Are Here" moment.
Have you taken a look at the book "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath? There's a part in there that talks about a newspaper editor named Hoover Adams. His newspaper's penetration in the market is 112%, the highest in the US. His philosophy for his newspaper is simple: "Names, names, names."
It seems this same idea had an effect on your geographic presentation.
Posted by: Pat | April 27, 2009 at 10:04 AM
wow,that's awesome. i'm putting it in the budget for next yr.
Posted by: Jim Gray | April 27, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Do you have a copy of the video? Great idea! I'm sure there are plenty out there that would love to see it.
Posted by: Chris | April 27, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Of the map video? Trust me - 3000 names without the techno background music is pretty snooze. :)
Posted by: Ben | April 27, 2009 at 01:04 PM
Ben! I ran (almost literally) into my college roommate (who I hadn't seen since my wedding 14 years ago!) Good times ... unexpected.
Posted by: D.Lake | April 28, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Ben - so funny - catching up finally after Catalyst West - this is the name of our youth pastor at Agoura Bible Fellowship who I went to Catalyst West with - too funny!
Posted by: Dave | April 30, 2009 at 10:43 PM