November 3rd, 2008

I’ve been sharing this point a lot lately in presentations: One way to render greater natural authenticity is to make one’s places and events more walkable.
 
Because it’s not mechanical and not monetary, walking is inherently more authentic versus any other form of machine-based travel. (See our “3M Model of Inauthenticity” on p. 88.) While of man, walking also provides some degree of separation from society, especially if that society has an increasingly non-walking culture. (Most Americans not only drive to the mall, they then at the mall look for the closest parking spot to the mall in order to further minimize walking.)
 
There is great website, www.WalkScore.com, that can be used as tool to gauge the walkability of any location. Try it out. Try it for your current home or apartment, or any new home or apartment you’re considering. Try it for your workplace, or the workplace of that job your considering. Try famous addresses. Client addresses. Try to find a place that scores 100 (or at least 99). Or zero!
 
In some recent presentations in the meetings and events industry, I’ve pointed to WallkScore.com as a tool to gauge the walkability of potential event cities and venues. My contention, the more walkable the venue, the more real the event will come off to participants. For a simple illustration, here are the WalkScores for some major U.S. Convention Centers:
 
Orange County Convention Center (Orlando) = 29 [Car dependent]
McCormick Place (Chicago) = 54 [Somewhat walkable]
San Diego Convention Center = 83 [Very walkable]
Los Angeles Convention Center = 92 [Very walkable] — surprisingly walkable!
Jacob Javis Convention Center (New York) = 94 [Walker’s Paradise]
 
After a recent talk at the annual meeting of PRA Destination Management, I had occasion to sit for lunch with PRA’s Kelly Haywood, who works out of their Atlanta office. Kelly shared with me her idea of encouraging U.S. citizens to walk, run, or ride a bike to polling places on Election Day. I encouraged her to launch a website promoting her idea. And she has! Check out www.exerciseyourrighttovote.com.
 
I would encourage those who can to walk to vote. I’m certain the walk will render your voting experience more real. I’m going to walk. And for me, the walking will not only appeal to natural authenticity, but also to referential authenticity. I won’t be able to keep from thinking about Abraham Lincoln walking miles to return owed money to a customer!
 
Walk slowly. Vote wisely. And be prepared for a late night.