I've always been a big fan of interactive conferences, and the 2011 GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference looks like it will be a great experience. The conference will use aspects from the online gaming world—specifically role-playing, leadership, narration, feedback and ranking—to encourage attendees to actively engage and learn about industry developments in a hands-on manner.
"To create an interactive environment, attendees will be divided into teams," the conference website said. "Using case studies that feature initiatives from actual destinations and venues, each team will be tasked with designing a sustainable event.
"Moving away from the static learning of long presentations, the 2011 GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference will feature a series of shorter presentations, group discussion periods (great for networking!), and active, hands-on problem solving sessions. The nontraditional rhythm is intended to enhance attendee education and encourage provocative and inspiring discussions that tackle the current challenges and future opportunities of the sustainable meetings industry.
"Each team will also be given a customized iPad complete with game instructions, social media functionality and point tracking capabilities. In addition, attendees will be able to monitor team progress, access the conference program and connect with their peers using the interactive Sustainable Meetings Conference mobile application on their smart phones."
And if the interactive gaming part doesn't woo you, perhaps their Xtranormal video will.