Designing Programs for Audience Engagement
A workshop on Purposeful, Connection-Centered Design. Not all spaces are designed to connect, but they can be. In this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants will explore an intentional design process for experiences that foster trust, belonging, and meaning. Whether you're shaping a meeting, conference session, or even a message, the way we engage matters. Together, we’ll explore a six-step approach with a desire to inspire some creative conference session proposals for the VAM 2026 Conference in Williamsburg, VA. Participants will practice designing a conference proposal, get some feedback, and walk away with practical tools to support their work. When we design for connection, we build more than programs, we build culture. This workshop is ideal for anyone shaping experiences. You’ll leave with a clear framework for designing engaging programs, new language and tools to elevate how you design, invite, and connect.