Meetings Blog Mar 15, 2019
Orphaned and penniless, Alexander Hamilton was a Caribbean immigrant to the United States of America who would go on to lead a victorious charge against the British army, marry and have eight children, become a lawyer, and co-found the first North American bank. Oh, and he also helped forge the US Constitution and go down in history as one of the Founding Father of the United States. No wonder they made a musical about his life!
After the theater show took Broadway by storm, and was then taken on a hugely successful global tour, we decided that this extraordinary man, through the lyrics of Lin-Manuel Miranda, could prove inspirational to meeting and event planners. So let’s see what lessons we can learn from the positive aspects of his adventure…
This line is repeated within the opening musical number and introduces the main character as well as several others. The key message that it looks to put across is that even with a difficult start in life, anything is possible, especially if you have that desire to prove your worth to others or yourself.
Learning: Hamilton defines himself by ‘all the things’ he hasn’t done yet, rather than where he came from, or what he did in the past. When you are a planner, you have to live in the future. The event that’s happening right now is already the past, your best efforts have made it the success it is, and now it’s time to look forward. You have to be thinking of new ideas, learning about new trends. You are all the things you haven’t done yet. But ‘just you wait’ until the next event, eh?
We also hear these words in the musical’s self-titled opener, and they transmit a simple, yet powerful truth. By the age of 14, Alexander was already impressing influential adults by using his brain, and that had his dear friend and revolutionary hero John Laurens describing his progress in this way.
Learning: The best way to develop and stand out in whatever you do is by working hard. By considering the finer details of a project, by looking for improvements to what has been done before, by being proactive, unique, inventive… whatever your event’s particular focus or need is, you can make a difference. And others will take note.
It’s a humble enough statement from Hamilton but one that means so much. He is handed a fabulous opportunity to make his dreams become a reality when he connects with a new group comprising the likes of the Marquis de Lafayette, Hercules Mulligan and the aforementioned John Laurens. All looking for the same goal in the revolution, he was not going to let this chance get away.
Learning: Every meeting and event is an opportunity for a planner. It’s your personal showcase, your chance to shine. If you take that chance, you can achieve your – and your attendees’ – goals and people will be keen to be part of your next event. Keep your eyes open, identify the opportunities as they arise, and be ready to take full advantage of them.
Hamilton’s friendship with Aaron Burr was not to last. His friend-turned-rival grew jealous as Hamilton took up a revered place in the US cabinet of George Washington. Burr knew that he was missing out on being involved in the important decisions in that very special room; the room where it happens. And this is what the song relays to the audience.
Learning: You must strive to make your meeting or event the ‘room where it happens’. You want your attendees to crave a place in there, utilizing fabulous speakers, incredible décor, and delicious eating options, for example. Tantalize your guests ahead of the event with a smart marketing strategy. You’ll almost certainly not destroy friendships like that of Hamilton and Burr, but you’ll build your reputation for creating that place where everyone wants to be.
While the protagonist of the musical Alexander Hamilton may not have been a perfect human being by any stretch of the imagination, there is so much of his life that can be used as an inspiration in event planning. Find your inner founding father, and impress everyone who you meet…although don’t feel obliged to sing and rap your way to success.
