When I first joined Next Step as a consultant, I was shocked by how detailed they were in their planning.

We were preparing the convention center for a national event, setting up activities (we never called them “games”). At first, it seemed like standard event prep—taping the floor to mark station placements, dividing the space evenly. But then I saw just how far they took it.

They measured everything down to the centimeter, if not the millimeter.

Then came the itinerary. Not just a general schedule—pages and pages of detailed instructions. The entrance of the participants? Broken down into seconds. Not minutes. Seconds.

Rehearsing the parade of colors was another level of precision. Every step was choreographed—signals to keep the flow smooth, positioning to guide people seamlessly into the venue, even the exact timing of how doors should open and close for safety.

It felt overwhelming. But when the convention began, it all made sense.

Not everything went exactly according to plan, but because we had such a clear framework, we adapted with ease. We knew what needed to be done and when. The level of detail didn’t just keep us organized—it ensured we delivered an incredible experience.

It was stressful, yes. But it was also one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever been part of.