The Day I Wore a Crown

Not every conference experience sticks with you. Most fade into a blur of keynote slides, networking conversations, and a branded tote bag you’ll probably never use again.

But sometimes, a moment happens that leaves a mark, not just on you, but on everyone in the room.

At The COO Alliance conference a few years back, I had spent some time with the CEO, brainstorming ways they could elevate the guest experience. I encouraged him to shift the focus away from generic swag and instead lean into memorable experiences. Half-joking, I suggested they theme the event around “the Queen,” since she had just passed away.

Fast forward to the actual event:The CEO stood on stage, shared how the team had shifted their approach from things to experiences, and credited me for inspiring the change. Then, in front of the crowd, he explained my “Queen” suggestion and placed a sparkling crown on my head.

I wore that crown all day. I even wore it on the plane ride home.

Why It Worked

The crown itself wasn’t the point. The magic was in the meaning:

• The CEO showed he listened.

• He made the story personal.

• He brought an element of fun and surprise to a professional setting.

And here’s the truth: the crown had nothing to do with the actual conference theme. But it became the story. The memory. The thing every attendee will remember when they think back on that event.

The Lesson for All of Us

Experiences don’t have to be serious or even “on brand” to be impactful. They just have to be:

✨ Unexpected.

✨ Personal.

✨ Fun.

When you focus on experiences over things, you create moments that don’t just fill a swag bag, they fill a memory bank.

So the next time you’re planning an event, a client meeting, or even a small gesture, ask yourself: Will this be remembered? Will it bring joy?

Because sometimes, the most unforgettable way to amplify an experience is to hand someone a crown. 👑