Last week, I attended the Professional Speechwriters Association World Conference. What truly made it unforgettable was the setting: Planet Word in Washington, D.C.
If you’ve never been, Planet Word isn’t just a museum—it’s an experience. It’s a living, breathing celebration of words, ideas, and human connection. From the moment you step through its doors, you can feel the energy of creativity in the air. Every exhibit invites you to play with language—to speak, listen, and rediscover the joy of communication.
Housed in the beautifully restored Franklin School, a National Historic Landmark, Planet Word blends 19th-century grandeur with cutting-edge interactive design. It’s a place where architecture meets imagination, where technology and history work together to tell the story of how language shapes our world.
For a gathering of professional communicators, it couldn’t have been more fitting. We were surrounded by inspiration. The walls spoke—sometimes literally, and reminded us that every great message begins with curiosity, courage, and craft.
What struck me most was how the location itself became part of the experience. Meetings, like speeches, are influenced by their setting. A thoughtfully chosen environment does more than host an event—it helps shape it. The right space inspires connection, creativity, and collaboration. It nudges conversations beyond the ordinary and invites participants to think more deeply.
That’s precisely what happened at Planet Word. Surrounded by exhibits that celebrated the beauty and impact of language, the speechwriters and speakers weren’t just talking about words—we were immersed in them. It felt as if the building itself was quietly cheering us on, whispering, “Use your words well. They matter.”
Every hallway, every interactive display, every elevator ride, every echo of laughter from a fellow attendee reminded me of something I’ve believed for years: the power of a message is amplified by its environment.
When we meet in places that reflect our mission, something magical happens. The ideas feel bigger. The people feel more connected. The conversations go deeper.
Planet Word gave us more than a venue—it gave us a metaphor. A space that reminded us why we write, speak, and tell stories in the first place: to connect, to understand, and to move one another toward something better.
As I left, I found myself thinking that every organization, every event planner, and every speaker should consider this truth: The correct setting doesn’t just frame your message—it becomes part of it.
Planet Word was the perfect venue for our conference on communication, and I couldn’t imagine a more inspiring place to celebrate the art and impact of words.
In the photo, one of the speakers, my new pal Brian Miller, and I are in the most interesting elevator I have ever seen.
If words matter to you, let’s talk.
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