Why Most Team Events Feel Awkward and the Simple Fix Most Organizations Miss
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM · 30 min. (America/Los_Angeles)
Learning Stage 3, EXPO, South Hall, Level One
Learning Stage (Product Demonstrations)
Learning Stage
Information
Most team events are meant to bring people together, yet many end up feeling uncomfortable or forced. Employees stand on their phones, conversations stay in familiar circles, and the people organizers hope will connect often leave early. The problem usually isn’t the people, it’s the format.
In this session, the speaker explores why traditional networking and team-building activities often fall short and what actually helps people connect. Drawing from research on social connectedness and real-world event experiences, the speaker shows how simple, low-pressure play removes social barriers and creates natural interaction.
You will learn why side-by-side activities spark better conversation, how inclusive games increase participation across personalities and abilities, and how organizations can design events that people genuinely enjoy attending.
In this session, the speaker explores why traditional networking and team-building activities often fall short and what actually helps people connect. Drawing from research on social connectedness and real-world event experiences, the speaker shows how simple, low-pressure play removes social barriers and creates natural interaction.
You will learn why side-by-side activities spark better conversation, how inclusive games increase participation across personalities and abilities, and how organizations can design events that people genuinely enjoy attending.
Learning Objective 1:
Identify why traditional team-building and networking events often feel awkward or fail to create meaningful interaction.
Learning Objective 2:
Explain how play-based, side-by-side activities reduce social barriers and encourage natural conversation and participation.
Learning Objective 3:
Apply simple design principles to create inclusive, engaging team events that encourage interaction and connection across diverse groups.
Format
In-Person
Schedule-At-A-Glance
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