The biggest problem with live events is a knowledge gap. This difference is not just between attendees, but the same individual knows some topics already so is bored and does not have the background for other topics so is lost. Providing pre exercises will enable attendees to be more prepared; some activities will be a light review, and some will require effort. Attendees can fill in their own gaps, far better than anyone else, and be well prepared to both enjoy and learn.
People need time and repetition to learn. All people quickly forget most of what they experience. Being exposed to the material three times will give attendees the time and repeated exposure to acquire new skills.
It is difficult for third parties e.g. boss who pays and attendees to discern value. The pre and post exercises are online and tracked. The boss can see effort and improvement e.g. post exercises took less time and there were fewer errors. The boss, or accountability partner, saying “I care about you learning and this is how I am going to check” will go a long way towards improving participation and value.
It is hard for the presenters to know how to improve. Any survey results will depend heavily on attendee generosity, participation, knowledge gap, and how entertained they were. Which topics were effective? Which need improvement? Having pre and post results will enable presenters to determine which parts of the event were effective and which need improvement.
This simple three-part process: pre exercises, event, and post exercises will add value to the event itself. Participants will be better prepared, both learning and enjoying more. Payers, often not attendees, can see value. Presenters will know areas which need improvement.