The Future of MWR: Fewer Events, Bigger Impact

We just got back from doing an amazing show at NSF Indian Head featuring Daughtry & MAGIC!, when something hit me:  

Let me explain. 

I never liked the phrase “Doing More with Less.  “

Doing more with less always ends up meaning less people doing more work, which does not lead to greater productivity.  It actually leads to worse productivity and negatively affects the value of what we do.  

The good news is that a retired Sergeant Major that works in Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) told me that leaders are now stressing doing less with less when it comes to MWR.

That’s a good thing, however, allow me to suggest a slight change:
Doing Less with Less, But with Bigger Impact

Let's rephrase:

Fewer Events, Bigger Impact!  

Instead of focusing on quantity, like doing a Special Event every month or quarter, bases should instead focus on doing just ONE event per year, but make that even the best damn event the base community has ever seen.

It allows the entire team the ability to focus on ONE mission.  Just imagine:

Your Base*FEST Program partner is booking A-list artists for your event 9-12 months out.

Your marketing team is marketing and advertising your event year-round, designing themed graphics, running ticket contests, creating videos, running  your event's branded social media channels, etc.  

Your sponsorship team is working with sponsors to get your event into their budgeting cycle the year prior.

Your volunteer team can build subject matter expertise in ticketing, ushering, customer relations, VIP area, Meet & Greets, etc. for your event 

Focusing on ONE event is the single best way to maximize a collaborative effort.

Fewer Events, Bigger Impact!  

It’s the future of MWR.

Sean Gilfillan is the CEO and Co-Founder of TTFEntertainment, the world's only Military Founded, 100% Military Focused, Live Event Promoter.  TTFE, a DoD-approved contractor for Talent Booking and Production is the #1 expert in Military Entertainment and Producing Live Events on U.S. military bases worldwide.