— The Concept —
The purpose of Convo is to create understanding and connection through the joy of a good conversation. With this, we’re on a mission to create a wiser, kinder world.
You may have heard the term the fourth wall, a theatre concept that defines the relationship between audience and performance. The audience behind the conceptual fourth wall passively witnesses a story unfold, a position often represented in our current lives. At concerts or talks we give over our senses yet we are not truly involved. We watch the news but have little ability to get first-hand understanding. However interactive, our phones only allow us to communicate at a distance. In politics increasingly simplistic ideas are drawing people to the extreme right and left.
In such times it is even more important to have an insight into each other's ideas and philosophies and to find common ground. Looking overseas we can witness warm interactions over feasts at communal tables where connections are made and culture is celebrated, a concept largely absent from mainstream Australia.
Combining these ideas led to Convo, based on a common desire to meet other like minds, have real conversations, and expand our communities. We understand that Convo is not for everyone but we hope that you will be intrigued enough by the concept to join us to feast, laugh, and ponder topics at one of our fun and thought-provoking dinners in the near future.
— How involved do I have to be? —
Your level of involvement in discussion is purely up to you. Having a formed opinion on the topics discussed is completely optional. However everyone is encouraged to listen, ask questions, and if you want offer diverse input and even respectfully disagree.
— What are the questions discussed? —
On each table will lay six cards, these feature the questions for the evening. Topics range from ethics and politics to joyful anecdotes and culture, none of which require prior thought or knowledge. The questions are not made public before the event, however please see our Instagram for examples.
During the night approximately three courses will be served with two questions discussed per a course.
— How do the nights run?—
Guests are seated at tables of six to ten people within an exclusive bespoke Convo venue or private dining room. Places are not allocated and you may sit where you like, however we kindly ask you not move again once seated.
Although Convo events are hosted, there is no one host on the individual tables so please introduce yourself and all take turns in leading the discussion. The evening will run for approximately three hours however you are welcome to continue after as long as the venue allows.
—Who can attend a Convo event?—
Everyone. The best conversations involve people from all ages and backgrounds. Everyone who attends Convo is there for the joy of a good conversation, these tend to be pretty friendly types.
—What's the deal with alcohol at the events?—
We have the option to choose between two drinks packages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Please note that we will not tolerate any harassment or anti social behaviour, you may be asked to leave if you’re being a knob. Upon arrival at Convo if you are intoxicated we will ask you to leave and will not refund your ticket - drunk people aren’t great at conversation. Just don’t over do it folks.
—Do you cater for dietary requirements?—
Yes we do, as much as our venues allow for. Vegan and gluten free are normally available outside of the set or selected menu for the event. When purchasing a ticket you will be prompted to add in any of these three dietary needs, however please note that anything outside of these options may not be possible.
—Does Convo offer corporate and private events?—
Yes, we do. We’ve updated our executive team building packages and are working on a delegate entertainment package for festivals and conferences. Please get in contact to discuss options.
—Can I run a Convo event outside of Melbourne?—
You can. We’re doing some beta testing on how to run our smaller supper club events with volunteers across Australia. If you would like to volunteer and help us experiment on finding the best format, please get in contact. Bonus points if you’ve already been to a Convo and know the format, and even better if you have a restaurant with a completely private dining room in mind.
—Who runs Convo?—
Convo was founded in 2016 by Amy Broadfoot. Inspired by living in Europe and regularly moving cities once back in Australia, she felt there was a need to build communities away from digital screens. In her day job she works as a marketing consultant and often thinks about the shift in behaviour that technology has fuelled. These thoughts coupled with her previous experience in managing the Australian events of the global short film label Future Shorts led her to create Convo. Say hello to her at the next Convo event.