Example 1: Group photo.

This is like a minimum viable closing exercise for all types of events. It happens in weddings, it happens in dinner parties, it happens when friends get together to hang out.

Seriously, even a quick selfie with a good friend that you can text them right after is a nice way to say, “It was great hanging out with you. Until next time.”

We do a group photo at the end of all of our Zoom workshops, which is totally optional. People can turn off their camera if they want. It gives us a graphic we can use on the replay video if it’s a recorded event.

And it creates a bit of a memory and chance for people to recognize and see each other.

And of course, with in-person events, a group photo is a great way to get everybody to face a shared challenge. Where do you stand and how do you pose? And how are we going to get the camera to stay still? Can we find someone to hold it for us? How do we encourage the person who volunteered to take the picture to get back into the group?

Group photos bring out fun dynamics.

Example 2: Circle of belonging

Apparently, there were just a few of us who knew I was taking this photo. It’s not the most flattering, but it does mark the moment just before our closing circle.

We had just gotten back from an hour-and-a-half long hike where a group of us convened at a cafe, split off into groups, and caught rides up into the hills around Boise, Idaho. The hike was an attendee-led meetup I hosted at Craft and Commerce, the conference for creators hosted by Kit every Spring.

Instead of letting the group dynamic fizzle out, I made sure everybody knew that we were ending the hike at a park pavilion. Once everybody arrived at the pavilion, I asked everyone to circle up.

Here’s the prompt. I call this a “Circle of Belonging.” Sounds pretty mushy, and it kind of is. But it doesn’t make people feel awkward; it actually makes people feel seen.

“Thanks so much everyone for being part of this hike. You probably got to know a few different people on this hike and learned about the work they’re doing.

As we close today, let’s go around and share our names and where we traveled from to get here. But instead of sharing what you do, I want you to share what you learned about the people you met today.

What is one thing you learned about someone else? Introduce them to the group so we can all have a chance to meet them.“

This leads to a really strong connection between people in the group. It supports friendship and it supports people feeling recognized and seen by others.

Thanks to this event and the way that it closed, we all walked into the opening party of this conference with a new friend and a sense of belonging. I got this feedback from multiple people throughout the week.

⚠️ Attention facilitators!

There’s a risk in this exercise that someone doesn’t get introduced – so make sure you check off everyone who’s being introduced. As you can imagine, this works best in smaller groups.

Example 3: Adrenaline Rush Closing

At the end of the conference, a group of us went on a rafting trip together. It was clever because the conference was called Craft and Commerce. So of course this was called Raft and Commerce.

We ended up with a big enough group to require two minivans! Big thanks to Laura Sprinkle who initiated this three years in a row and finally got momentum! I’m so glad I got to help this year.

An adrenaline rush is really any group experience where we overcome a challenge together.

It’s worth building these intentionally into your events because it forms real bonds and connections. Whitewater rafting is dangerous, but it’s not that dangerous. We did have a guide, and we had helmets and there were lots of safety protocols in place. But gosh, it was a real adrenaline rush.

If I see any of these folks again, I’ll definitely be giving them big hugs.

Example 4: Dance Party (aka, let your guard down)

How can we talk about closing down events without a dance party?

It’s hard to believe, but this can happen as part of a Zoom event as well. Though definitely not as fun. But I’ve been in Zoom events where people just get silly at the end, and it does make for a good closing.

I took this picture at Craft and Commerce on the very last night when a group of us went out to a local dance club. The picture makes it look more fun than it was because, unfortunately, this club was pretty empty. I’ll do better research next year.

The point still stands, and there were definitely other examples in my memory. But turning down the lights and turning up the music definitely sets a vibe for wrapping things up.

When we dance, we shed some of our armor and let loose. It takes courage to get out there and be goofy, and it creates another type of bonding moment.

The point here is that with closings, you got to end with energy.

Whatever the closing is, end with energy. If you’re facilitating a Zoom call, you have to have that theater stage energy. It’s too easy to be chill and monotone on a computer. Turn it up a notch and make it fun. Let everybody say goodbye before you move into Q&A or any other type of optional content.

Define the closing clearly and thoughtfully, And let everyone leave on time.

A good closing builds connection, but it also builds trust.

With that, I’ll close out this post. Thanks for reading!