There I am, in the middle of a location that can best be compared to a zoo and a jungle. Great location! My mission? Find subgroup 6. Of course I have prepared everything thoroughly in advance, I am always on location at least an hour before the start of an event to prepare the last things and to get to know everyone. But this location is a real maze of hidden break-out rooms, accessible via narrow paths and bridges. And at that moment, between the trees and the greenery, I no longer know where exactly I have to be.
Business drawing with process overview
Fortunately, I dare to trust the process. I already have a clear picture of the conversations with the first five groups. Just then, my contact person calmly appears out of nowhere and kindly points me the way to the last subgroup. Sustainable packaging, that is the theme here. A topic that fits perfectly with what the other groups are discussing: a future-proof food system, human rights, climate, food waste, and planet-friendly food. These are not everyday topics unless you, like my client, run a large company in the food retail sector.
Bonus as a business illustrator: my knowledge of sustainability
During the intake, my client already emphasized: "Knowledge of sustainability is a real advantage for this assignment." Understandable, because this event not only brings together their internal teams, but also critical external partners such as Urgenda, Oxfam Novib, WWF, and other important players such as WUR, Beter Leven keurmerk and Natuur & Milieu. At the tables, there is a lot of discussion about complex sustainability issues. It is precisely because of my experience and knowledge of these topics that I was able to efficiently record all six tables. My approach? Listen in, filter the core of the conversation and immediately move on to the next group. This creates a visual report that brings everything together and shows the common threads between the groups.
From sketch to presentation
Just before the breakout sessions end, my contact person walks up to me again. “The break is over,” she says. “You can present right away. Will that work?” That break was my planned moment to check everything with the group leaders and work on the last details. In the few minutes I have left, I quickly test my drawings with the group leaders. Because I have met everyone in advance, I know exactly where I need to be. Except for one point, everything is complete. As I walk to the stage, I draw in the last details and am ready just in time to present my work to the plenary hall.
The power of preparation and substantive knowledge
The audience follows my presentation of the business drawing attentively. The visualizations make the complexity and solution direction immediately clear and offer an overview of the most important first steps. Partners nod in agreement and the client looks visibly satisfied.
These kinds of moments show exactly why my substantive knowledge of sustainability makes the difference. It not only enables me to think along in terms of content, but also to switch with confidence and speed in unexpected situations. For organizations and events around sustainability, this is not an extra, but an absolute added value.
Live drawing for your organization?
Want to know more about live drawing? Or are you thinking about hiring a live artist for your event? Contact me and we will discuss the possibilities - without obligation and free of charge.