Naming an event can be a surprisingly challenging task, especially when the target audience spans multiple groups. A name can set the tone for inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels welcome, or it can unintentionally create a sense of exclusivity.
In this post, I’d like to share the thought process behind naming our upcoming event in Kuala Lumpur, “Work Anywhere Fest.”
Our target audience includes both digital nomads and remote workers, so it was crucial to choose a name that resonates with both groups without alienating anyone.
Challenges in Naming the Event
Initially, I envisioned the event primarily for digital nomads. My plan was to focus on topics relevant to their lifestyle while incorporating remote work themes.
However, I quickly realized that this approach was too narrow. By centering the name around “digital nomads,” we risked alienating a significant portion of remote workers—those who may work from home or outside traditional nomadic lifestyles.
For example, a name like “Digital Nomads Festival” might resonate with nomads but could unintentionally exclude remote workers who don’t identify as such. On the other hand, a name like “Digital Nomads and Remote Workers Festival” felt more inclusive but was unnecessarily long and lacked appeal.
Striking the right balance was key.
Exploring Name Options
To refine the event’s identity, I brainstormed ideas with the help of ChatGPT. Here are six potential names we considered, along with their pros and cons:
Nomads & Remotes KL
Pros: Simple, modern, and easy to remember.
Cons: Lacks an engaging or inspiring tone.
Work Anywhere KL
Pros: Highlights the flexibility and freedom of remote work.
Cons: Slightly generic and doesn’t capture the event’s festive spirit.
Remote Life KL
Pros: Focuses on the lifestyle aspect of remote work.
Cons: Doesn’t emphasize collaboration or community-building.
Nomads Meet Locals
Pros: Highlights cross-cultural connections.
Cons: Too narrow, focusing on just one aspect of the event.
Work & Wander KL
Pros: Appeals to digital nomads with an adventurous tone.
Cons: Might not resonate as well with local remote workers.
Remote KL Week
Pros: Clear and descriptive.
Cons: Lacks excitement and energy.
Creating an Inclusive Event
One of the defining aspects of Work Anywhere Fest is its goal to create a genuinely inclusive experience. Events for digital nomads are common in many regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, but they often lack participation from local communities. This disconnect can make such events feel detached from the places they’re hosted.
In contrast, Kuala Lumpur offers a unique opportunity to bridge this gap. As a vibrant, multicultural city, it attracts not only international digital nomads but also a growing number of local remote workers. This presents a chance to design an event that fosters meaningful exchanges between these two groups, creating something truly unique to the city.
Hosting an event in Kuala Lumpur meant rethinking the typical nomad-focused model. Instead of replicating existing formats, we aimed to create an event that celebrates the diversity of this city and encourages collaboration between international and local participants.
Looking Ahead
This will be the first in a series of events, and we’re excited to explore this new format. While we have experience organizing events, this is a new challenge for us. If you have any advice or ideas, we’d love to hear them!
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