How African Drumming Helped Timely Software Start Their Conference Day with Energy and Engagement

When teams spend much of the year communicating through screens, bringing people together face-to-face becomes increasingly valuable.

That was certainly the case for Timely Software, a global software company with teams based across New Zealand, the USA, Australia and the UK. As part of a company gathering at Rossington Hall in Doncaster, the UK team wanted a memorable way to start the day, create energy in the room and encourage genuine interaction between colleagues.

We were delighted to be invited to deliver an African drumming experience for the group as part of their event.

The Challenge

One of the biggest challenges facing modern organisations is that so much communication now takes place online.

Video calls, emails, messaging platforms and virtual meetings have made it easier than ever for teams to collaborate across different locations. However, when colleagues do have the opportunity to meet in person, those moments become especially important.

For Timely Software, the event wasn’t simply about bringing people into the same building. It was about creating meaningful interaction from the very start of the day and giving colleagues the opportunity to share an experience together.

Why African Drumming?

African drumming offers something that is increasingly rare in today’s working environment.

There are no screens, no presentations and no passive observers.

Instead, participants are actively involved from the very beginning, learning authentic African rhythms and experiencing the energy that comes from creating music together.

Our workshops are carefully structured so that participants learn simple rhythm patterns which gradually build and lock together. As the different parts combine, the room begins to fill with a powerful groove that everyone has helped to create.

No previous musical experience is required, making the activity accessible to everyone regardless of background or ability.

The Experience

As the team arrived, they were welcomed by the sound of live drumming, immediately creating a sense of curiosity, excitement and anticipation.

Once everyone was seated with their own djembe drum, we guided the group through a series of rhythm-building activities designed to develop confidence, listening skills and participation.

Very quickly, the room became fully engaged.

What started as individual drum sounds developed into rhythms that worked together, creating something much bigger than any one person could achieve alone.

Alongside plenty of laughter and enjoyment, participants experienced the satisfaction that comes from learning something new and contributing to a shared musical experience.

Feedback from the Team

The response from both participants and organisers was overwhelmingly positive.

Sally Conchie, Marketing Specialist, Timely Software 

“Steve kicked off our corporate event with so much energy and fun. He read the room from the get go, and had everyone fully engaged and participating in the African drums session. It was a fantastic way to highlight our key focus of communication in a fun and light hearted way. Steve was a pleasure to deal with throughout the process. Thank you!”

Meghan Woodney, Event Organiser, Timely Software

Although based in New Zealand and unable to attend the event in person, Meghan coordinated the booking and planning process.

Following the event, she shared the following feedback:

“The team told me the energy in the room was great, and your session played a major part in setting the tone for the day.”

“People have specifically called out the drumming experience as one of the highlights of the event. It brought people together, got everyone involved, and created exactly the kind of shared experience we were hoping for.”

She also highlighted the importance of having confidence in the event planning process:

“You made it very easy, and I felt very confident all would go to plan.”

Why it Worked

The success of the session wasn’t simply about playing drums.

It was about creating a shared experience that encouraged people to be fully present with one another.

In a world where so much communication takes place through screens, African drumming creates an opportunity for colleagues to interact face-to-face, listen, participate and connect through a common activity.

For organisations looking to bring people together at conferences, away days, leadership events or staff well-being days, this kind of experience can provide a memorable and energising start to the day.

Interested in African Drumming for Your Team?

Whether you’re planning a conference, team-building day, staff well-being event or company away day, African drumming can provide an engaging and memorable experience for your team.

We’d be delighted to discuss your event and explore how African drumming could work for your team.