Conference Case Study: New Tech Network Educators Conference
New Tech Network hosted their annual Education Conference in Minneapolis June of 2024. Intrepid teams from Michigan, Ohio, and Kentuckiana sallied forth into the city streets to glean what they could from passers-by about the city and its stories.
The photos and haiku speak for themselves. They crushed it. A deeper understanding of this city, and of the ways all of our cities struggle, celebrate and connect. Big questions around healing, listening and action over words. What a privilege to spend the afternoon with this group of educators.
During an Opening Ceremony, Teams learn about the mission of Guerilla Haiku and THEIR mission together:
A) To write haiku inspired by their adventures on the streets of Minneapolis and
B) To get strangers they encounter to write haiku WITH them.
Groups start with a Team Haiku to establish their intentions for the session.
Get down and dirty
Minneapolis stories
Shining through the rain
From there, teams head off into the city on haiku scavenger hunt adventures, seeking inspiration from the places and people they encounter…
Teams got creative, finding haiku in the infrastructure around them: "Standpipe and sprinkler - Fire Department connection - Where are the hose at?"
Teams befriended passers-by. This Downtown Improvement District employee adopted a team and helped them get to landmarks around town.
One team photoshopped downtown signage into a haiku: Prince celebration - Minneapolis Center - the best part is you.
One team took the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the city and it’s story:
Haiku team to beat - It will be our destiny - Our own adventure
They jumped in an Uber to head to George Floyd Square. ...And got a haiku from the driver on the way.
Once at the square, they had conversations with visitors and organizers about the meaning of the space: "Rest in gentle peace - Silent moments heal the heart - self care whispers soft.
In discussion with the curator of the George Floyd exhibit.
Team members reflect on what they are hearing: Self care heals the soul - Damaged hearts can be repaired - Breath, stretch, laugh and love
Lives destroyed in hate - Innocent blood, enraged heart - Fuels passion for change.
Participants walked away with an experience that connected them to each other, the city, and allowed them to put the intentions of the conference into action: to educate, to reflect, and to connect.
But don’t take our word for it…
Testimonial from Conference Organizers:
Coming soon!