What I learned about improving Delivery and Operations at 2000 Trees Festival 2024

This weekend, I attended 2000 Trees Festival, a mid-sized festival in Cheltenham.

I’ve been to big festivals before like Download and Isle of Wight, and whilst obviously the lineups are big famous bands that everyone knows, at a mid-sized festival you get to see some names you know, but you also get to see some bands you’ve never heard of, and you get to discover them, which is really cool.

Also, being local to where I live, I get to catch up with a lot of people that I don’t see regularly anymore, as I’m not attending shouty loud rock bars as frequently as I used to.

This blog is not about music though.

So, I’m going to do a bit of a #ShamelessShoehorn here around some things we can learn from music festivals, and apply those learnings to our day-to-day work.

What can a muddy field and loud music can teach us about project delivery and operations?

1. Embracing Discovery

At 2000 Trees, I had the chance to see some of my favourite bands, but I also discovered new ones. A big part of these events for me is finding new music that either I haven’t yet found myself or hasn’t been pushed to my via an algorithm (i.e. Spotify).

I get a lot more out of the whole experience by being open minded - and I often end up enjoying it more than if I went to one of the bigger festivals where I already know the bigger bands.

This sense of discovery is crucial in our professional lives too. Just as attending a concert with no expectations can lead to surprising joys, being open to new ideas and changes at work can promote growth and innovation. Repeating the same tasks or sticking to familiar methods can lead to stagnation.

Embrace the unknown to keep things exciting and dynamic.

2. The Power of Collaboration

When organising a group camping trip at a festival, planning is often overlooked.

We’ve been to a few, and a little planning and collaboration can help to make sure you get the most out of your experience.From coordinating who brings what, to setting meeting points and communication plans, teamwork was essential. We even used walkie-talkies to stay in touch when phone signals failed.

Similarly, in a digital agency, successful project delivery hinges on effective collaboration. Each team member has unique skills, and by working together, we can achieve our goals more efficiently. Preparation and clear communication are key to navigating both festival grounds and project timelines.

3. Resource Management

Warm beer, expensive (unhealthy) food, and dead phones - this is multi-day camping… unless you plan ahead.

I brought my campervan, and equipped it with a solar panel. This meant we had enough power for the weekend - including running a camping fridge to store our own food and keep the beers cold!

In the workplace, resource management is obviously just as important. Understanding what resources are available and planning their use effectively can make a significant difference in project outcomes. Coordinate and allocate resources wisely to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.

4. Networking and Building Relationships

Music festivals are not just about the bands; they are also about the people you meet. I reconnected with old friends and made new ones, even managing to get backstage and into the artist VIP bar thanks to some spontaneous networking.

In business, networking is critical. Engaging with your professional network can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Building and nurturing these relationships can provide support and growth in your career.

5. Building Resilience

Festivals come with unpredictable elements, like weather changes or schedule shifts. At 2000 Trees, we faced unexpected rain, but being prepared and adaptable made the experience enjoyable.

Similarly, in the workplace, resilience is key. Plans may change, and unexpected challenges will arise. Being flexible and prepared for various scenarios helps in maintaining progress and achieving success despite obstacles.

6. Building habits of creativity and innovation

Discovering new music can inspire creativity and broaden your horizons. Even if a band’s style wasn’t my usual preference, I found value in the experience.

The same goes for professional life. Trying new tools, exploring different approaches, and being open to unconventional ideas can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in processes. Avoid the trap of “we’ve always done it this way” and seek out new perspectives to keep your work fresh and exciting.

Conclusion

Attending a music festival like 2000 Trees pushes you out of your comfort zone and exposes you to new experiences. This parallels the importance of stepping out of routine in our professional lives. By embracing discovery, collaborating effectively, managing resources wisely, building relationships, being resilient, and fostering creativity, we can enhance our work in digital agencies.

While I’ve shamelessly connected festival experiences to work lessons, the underlying message is clear: blur the lines between work and play, and apply the best practices from both to improve your overall approach. Stay organised in your personal life, remain open and innovative in your professional life, and always look for opportunities to grow and learn from every experience.