End with structured resolutions and small-group accountability.

technique — attributed to Adrian Segar

Segar's closing phase is structurally separate from the substantive sessions. Time is set aside for each participant to identify what they want to change after the event, in measurable terms they set themselves. Small-group work follows. The discipline matters because well-known research shows people who make resolutions in front of a supportive group are far more likely to follow through. Most conferences end with thank-yous and a return to the airport. Segar's end with a behavior-change structure built into the format. The difference is the rate at which participants actually do anything different the week after.

For program designers running learning events, leadership programs, and retreats whose value depends on post-event behavior change. The technique is most useful when the previous version of the event was producing high in-room satisfaction and low post-event change.

closing-sessions, resolutions, accountability, behavior-change