Normally, research in the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) takes the form of new event formats, presentation techniques, digital developments or improved registration systems. In contrast, micelab:bodensee is more about working with people, attitudes, values, learning and communication.
micelab:explorer is the training platform’s research lab where ideas are forged. Here we take a close look at the factors which influence congresses, meetings and events. Particular attention is paid to the impact on people: the architecture and environment of an event location, as well as the facilities, the setting, and the use of dramaturgy, moderation, and the impact of different event formats and transmission methods.
To this end, specialists are invited from a wide variety of disciplines, including sociology, improvised theatre, brain and response research, nature education, film direction, coaching, high-performance sport and many more.
The Research Lab convenes once a year at different locations around Lake Constance.
Good events build trust
The first research year was devoted to the question of how we can go “From Fear to Trust”. This refers to the fear of group settings, fear of the unexpected, or fear of getting involved in an event – whether that’s a workshop, discussion, a Fishbowl or a Pecha Kucha. Our theory is that it is only when people trust each other that they’re open to work and learn on the same level. And only from this point can they move towards Resonance.
Fittingly, it was “Eros & Resonance – the potentials of affinity” which was the topic of our second research year. Then in the third it was all about “Me & Us” – an interplay and balancing act at events, whereby a productive group arises out of individual experts. The research topics for the coming years can be found here.
Dynamic congresses
Events are in many ways microcosms of society itself. They reflect how we go about working and learning in the wider society, how we communicate and come together. It’s for this reason that at micelab:bodensee we engage in naturalistic research, involving real-life experiences. We practice using formats which are themselves part of dynamic congress culture. The Lab opens up a free space for experimentation and challenging the norms with new ideas and routines. The results are then collected in book form for future reference.
Would you like to know more about our research, or to experience our Lab for yourself?
Feel free to get in touch with us.