The Joy of Waiting: Creating Memorable Experiences at Events

Understanding the Waiting Experience

One of the things I used to worry about was "Will there be a line?" It's a fair question. Nobody wants guests spending half the event standing around waiting for their turn. For a long time, I assumed the same thing. Long lines must be bad.

But after more than a hundred events, I started noticing something that didn't fit that assumption. People don't seem to mind waiting nearly as much as I expected. They happily wait for roller coasters, barbecue restaurants, and concert tickets. Golfers spend half their day waiting on tee boxes. Apparently, waiting isn't automatically a bad experience.

So what makes one line miserable and another perfectly enjoyable?

The Experience Begins Before the Game

One of my favorite moments to watch happens before someone ever takes their first putt. The people waiting aren't really waiting. One event stands out in my memory.

In December of 2023, we were part of USAA's Christmas party at the San Antonio Convention Center. More than 9,000 people attended—the largest event we've ever been part of. Walking in through the loading dock, I passed what looked like an endless sea of banquet tables. There were buffet lines stretching across the room, an enormous screen that still looked small from the farthest tables, and enough activity that it felt like a small city was being assembled indoors.

Luckily, we were set up upstairs alongside photo booths, arcade games, another mini golf course, an open bar, and one attraction I still can't explain: four men dressed as cowboys, painted completely from head to toe. I thought they were a little creepy. But people loved them. They lined up to have their pictures taken with them.

The Creepy Cowboys

Fortunately, people were lining up for mini golf, too. In fact, they lined up longer than I ever expected. At one point, I realized we had a problem I'd never seen before. Every putter and golf ball had been claimed—not by the people at the first tee, but by those halfway back in line. I had to walk down the queue collecting equipment so the people at the front could actually start playing.

Looking at the line, I estimated the guests at the very back might wait nearly half an hour before taking their first putt.

This is the front of the line. Imagine two or three more of these twisting off to the right

I remember thinking, They're going to hate this. They didn't. Not one bit. They had music, friends, people-watching, a fresh drink from the open bar, and plenty to laugh about while they watched the groups ahead of them play. That's when it occurred to me that they weren't really waiting. The experience had already started.

The Power of Engagement

Once I started noticing that, I began seeing it at other events. People don't mind waiting around a campfire because the stories have already begun. Nobody complains about standing beside the grill at a backyard barbecue because that's where the conversations happen. Even the line for coffee at work often becomes the place where people catch up on each other's lives.

Maybe the waiting was never separate from the experience. Maybe it was part of it all along.

This realization has changed the way I think about events. The goal isn't necessarily to eliminate every line. It's to eliminate dead time. Those aren't the same thing. At the best events, people are always watching, anticipating, laughing, or talking. Even when they're technically waiting, they don't feel like they're waiting because something interesting is unfolding right in front of them.

Embracing the Waiting Game

I've started to think that's true far beyond parties. We spend a surprising amount of our lives in lines—at airports, grocery stores, doctor's offices, traffic lights, and meetings. Some of those moments feel endless, not because they're long, but because nothing meaningful is happening while we're there.

The events we remember aren't always the ones where everything happened immediately. They're the ones where something was happening the entire time. The problem isn't the line. It's what happens while you're in it.

Creating Memorable Gatherings

As event planners, our role is to create environments where guests feel engaged and entertained, even while waiting. Here are some tips to enhance the waiting experience at your next event:

1. Incorporate Entertainment: Consider live music, interactive games, or engaging displays. This keeps guests entertained and makes waiting feel less like a chore.

   
   

2. Foster Connections: Encourage guests to mingle. Create spaces where they can chat and connect with one another. This turns waiting into an opportunity for socializing.

   
   

3. Provide Refreshments: An open bar or snack station can make waiting feel more enjoyable. Guests will appreciate having something to sip or nibble on while they wait.

   
   

4. Utilize Technology: Use apps or screens to keep guests informed about wait times or upcoming activities. This helps manage expectations and keeps everyone in the loop.

   
   

5. Design Engaging Lines: If possible, create a winding line that allows guests to see what's happening at the front. This builds anticipation and excitement.

   
   

By focusing on the experience rather than just the wait, we can transform lines into moments of joy and connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, waiting doesn't have to be a negative experience. With the right approach, we can turn it into a part of the fun. The next time you plan an event, remember that the lines can be just as memorable as the activities themselves. Let's embrace the waiting game and create unforgettable experiences together.

---wix---