Why we Need to Acknowledge the Power Of Volunteering

How do you create events that truly connect?

If you’ve ever planned an event, you know the feeling—you want it to be engaging, inclusive, and unforgettable. You want people to leave moved, not just with another tote bag full of flyers.

Last year, I spent a lot of time thinking about how to make events more inclusive—like the event I hosted in Lappeenranta. I kept asking myself: How do you make an event not just another conference, but a space where people feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger?

For me, inclusivity isn’t just about accessibility checklists (though those are important!). It’s about how you make people feel—from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Sometimes, it’s the little things, like singing “Happy Birthday” to an attendee, acknowledging a first-time speaker, or making sure the room setup invites conversation rather than hierarchy.
Inclusivity is about trust.

And as an event host, I have to trust the process, trust the unknown, and—most importantly—make my clients and audiences feel like they can trust me.

Here are 8 Bold Ideas to Make Your Event Unforgettable 👇🏾

1️⃣ Define success before you start

What does a great event look like? Think about:

✅ Audience experience – How do you want people to feel afterward? Inspired, challenged, excited?

✅ Speaker impact – What do you want them to deliver? Actionable insights? A deep emotional connection?

✅ One Key outcome – Should attendees leave with new connections, a clearer strategy, or the motivation to act?

2️⃣ Bring in artists and performers

Artists help us see things differently. A well-placed choir, poet, or dancer can drive home a message in a way that no PowerPoint ever will. Music, poetry, choir, dance, or visual storytelling can amplify your message and make it stick. I love working with artists—they break expectations and help audiences feel the urgency of a topic. I’ve worked with incredible multi-disciplinary professionals, and they always leave audiences thinking in new ways. Who to ask? Ask me 🙂

3️⃣ Choose your venue with purpose

A corporate setting or a hotel conference room sends one message, while a community center, cultural hall, or town square sends another. The right space can reinforce your theme and make your event’s topic feel urgent and relevant.

4️⃣ Don’t assume you “can’t afford” a great speaker

Budgets are real, but so are creative solutions. Many speakers (including me!) offer options, including pro bono keynotes, workshops, and panel moderation. Don’t hesitate to ask!

5️⃣ Make inclusion a priority, not an afterthought

Consider:

✅ Accessibility – Ramps, captions, sign language interpreters.

✅ Food options – Dietary needs, cultural preferences.

✅ Representation – Who’s on stage? Who’s in the room? Who’s missing?

🔗 Checklist for accessibility & diversity (Finnish/Swedish): https://www.kulttuuriakaikille.fi/doc/tarkistuslistat/Tapahtumien_saavutettavuuden_ja_moninaisuuden_tarkistuslista.pdf

🔗 General checklist for event organizers: https://www.kulttuuriakaikille.fi/tarkistuslistat_arvioinnin_tueksi_kaikki_tarkistuslistat

6️⃣ Go beyond your usual networks to reach a more diverse audience

If you want new people at your event, stop promoting in the same places. Get into new spaces—collaborate with professional networks, NGOs, and grassroots organizations. Mix audiences where not everyone is already familiar with the topic—fresh voices create fresh conversations.

7️⃣ Invest in networking opportunities

People come for the content, but they stay for the coffee breaks. ☕ Don’t rush through them! Build in structured networking—speed networking, guided small-group discussions, or casual breakout sessions.

8️⃣ Remember: Events build communities and inspire action

I’ve always believed that events aren’t just about strategy—they’re about people. Your event might be where someone finds their next mentor, business partner, or life-changing idea. So don’t cut corners.

BONUS: Make Your Panel Discussions More Engaging!

f you’re organizing a panel discussion, make sure it’s not just another dry Q&A session! I’ve written a guide on how to make panel discussions engaging, dynamic, and valuable.

🎤 Read it here

The Best Way to Start Your Event? Message Me. ✉️🎤

I don’t just host events. I bring them to life. My events are about energy, connection, and real conversations—the kind that make people feel like they’re part of something big.

If you want an event that feels human, fun, and deeply impactful, let’s talk and create a space where people don’t just show up—they feel something. High-quality engagements. Inspiration. Momentum. Sense of belonging, action and hope towards a better tomorrow!

Warm regards,

Kamilla Sultanova

P.S. What’s one thing you wish people understood about event organizing?