What is the Event Game?

The Event Game is a systematic method for evaluating and improving public events such as festivals, fairs and markets. Participants are volunteers who represent all aspects of the event such as artists, vendors, event planners and the general public. The process is based on the Project for Public Spaces' Place Game and starts by going to a public event with a trained Lively Omaha facilitator.

In contrast to the Place Game, the Event Game focuses on functions such as food service, entertainment, and activities. By watching and listening, you begin to understand how that event is structured and what it means to you and your neighbors. You decide what you like and what you don't like about the event. You brainstorm about what could make the event better.



What makes an Event Great?

The Event Game is based on the key factors that make a great public event. You are at a successful event if you see:


A Clean and Safe Area

People will attend an event if they expect their basic needs will be met. They look for events that are attractive, well maintained and afford comfortable seating




Good Visibility and Movement

Event goers want to be able to identify the event from a distance and have good clean signage to guide them around. They want to be able to reach the event by transit and walk the event grounds with ease.





Things To Do

Successful events have a variety of high quality activities that attract people of all ages and backgrounds. They are busy but not over crowded and make good use of space.



People Friendly

You will see people in groups and feel a sense of pride and ownership at a great event. There will be volunteers to help, and diverse ethnicities and ages present.



How is the Event Game Played?


Lively Omaha created the Event Game to help communities evaluate their public events. First we look at the functions and activities that go on at the event. Then we set up functional areas to be evaluated such as food service, entertainment, artists, vendors and family activities.

We use a simple and systematic scheme to play the Event Game. We create teams of 3 to 6 people who focus on each function or activity. Accompanied by a trained facilitator, the groups begin by looking, listening and walking around the event and asking questions of participants. Then we discuss and decide how well the event works based on the four criteria: uses and activities, comfort and image, access and linkage, and sociability.



To do this we use a simple form to guide our evaluation.


Then we begin thinking about ways to improve the place by brainstorming ideas as a group.


We then discuss and share our ideas with other Event Game groups and record our findings, guided by Lively Omaha staff and volunteers. You can see the results of several Event Game sessions conducted right here in Omaha by clicking on these links:

 

 

To request an Event Game for your group or organization contact Lively Omaha.