Bridging Generations: Why Shared Experiences Are Shaping the Future of Business Events

A New Era of Connection in the Business Events Industry

As the business events landscape evolves, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: cross-generational collaboration is no longer optional. It is essential. At AIME, Michelle Pascoe, founder of Optimum Operating Procedures and Services Pty Ltd, delivered a session that blended humour, insight and heartfelt storytelling. Her presentation, “Building Bridges Between Generations in the Workplace: The Art of Talking Turkey,” offered a refreshing look at how diverse generations can come together to build stronger, more resilient teams.

Drawing from her roots in hospitality and her colourful childhood on a turkey farm, Pascoe explained that the secret to successful workplace culture lies not in eliminating generational differences, but in understanding and celebrating them.

Gobbles vs Beeps: Rethinking Communication in a Multi-Generational World

One of Pascoe’s most memorable analogies compared workplace communication habits to gobbles and beeps. Gobbles represent noise: unclear, unfocused messages that overwhelm teams without offering direction. Beeps, on the other hand, are purposeful signals designed to inform, guide and unify.

Her message to leaders was simple and powerful. Speak with intent. Make every message meaningful. Communication that cuts through complexity empowers teams of all ages to move forward with clarity, confidence and connection.

Understanding the Pecking Order: What Drives Each Generation

Pascoe walked audiences through the motivations and mindsets of each generation currently represented in the workforce. Baby Boomers bring institutional knowledge and pride in reputation. Gen X balances the pressures of work, family and caregiving. Millennials are positive disruptors seeking flexible, personalised pathways. Gen Z brings a tech-first mindset and a desire for seamless, meaningful experiences.

Rather than seeing these differences as barriers, Pascoe urged leaders to recognise the strength that emerges when generational perspectives complement each other.

Fostering Belonging: The Key to Strong Team Culture

According to Pascoe, belonging is the glue that holds multi-generational teams together. Her strategies were refreshingly simple and highly effective. Face-to-face conversations help build trust. Walking meetings encourage relaxed, open dialogue. Storytelling preserves institutional wisdom and strengthens intergenerational bonds.

At the heart of her message was a reminder that people do not just want to work together; they want to feel a sense of connection and purpose. They want to flock.

Actionable Strategies That Meet Each Generation Where They Are

Michelle Pascoe

Pascoe equipped leaders with practical, targeted strategies to support each age group. Boomers thrive when invited to mentor emerging leaders. Gen X benefits from flexible systems that support their dual responsibilities. Millennials flourish when their innovation is harnessed in purposeful ways. Gen Z needs consistent feedback and digital-first methods of recognition.

An interactive “beeper” exercise helped attendees uncover commonalities with co-workers they thought they had little in common with. The result was a revealing and energising moment for the room.

A Case Study in Future-Proofing Teams

Pascoe highlighted a standout example from Luke, a hospitality leader engaging 14–17-year-olds to prepare his business for the next generation of talent. With Gen Alpha approaching, his approach demonstrated that building tomorrow’s workforce begins long before traditional recruitment age. His initiative underscored an essential truth. Leaders must invest early, creatively and consistently in the future workforce to remain resilient and competitive.

The Turkey Whisperer’s Guide to Leadership

Pascoe’s closing leadership principles were memorable and actionable. Communicate with impact. Be adaptable. Value the wisdom of older generations. Foster belonging. Design work environments where younger employees feel seen, recognised and motivated.

Her approach emphasised the need for leaders to create environments where every voice matters and every generation contributes to a shared purpose.

Final Thought: Turning Generational Differences into Collective Strength

Michelle Pascoe’s reflections offer a powerful reminder that the future of business events — and the workplaces connected to them — thrive when leaders embrace generational diversity. When people feel understood, valued and connected, they contribute more deeply and collaborate more effectively.

Generational differences do not divide us. They enrich us. Leaders who recognise this will not simply navigate the changing workforce; they will lead it confidently into the future.

Contact Information

For more insights from Michelle Pascoe, visit:
https://www.michellepascoe.com/

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