Someone accidentally joined a creative cult (and loved it).
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Someone accidentally joined a creative cult
(and loved it).
Josi Hughes · 11/18/2025The College of Extraordinary Experiences is not your typical conference.
Tucked into the rolling green hills of Poland, Kliczków Castle was the setting for what became one of the most fascinating gatherings I have ever experienced. No schedules. No PowerPoints. Just a few hundred experience designers, artists, educators, magicians (yes, real ones), and candlelit hallways galore.
What followed felt like a creative experiment that blended ritual, play, reflection, and connection into one wild, meaningful week. I went in expecting inspiration. I left feeling like I’d joined a secret society.
Chaos + care = chemistry
From the moment I arrived, I knew this wasn’t going to be a place for simple networking or note-taking. It was about presence. The entire castle became a living classroom, and we all became both teachers and students.
A guest who loved perfume led an impromptu scent workshop, passing around her personal collection to teach us how to choose a fragrance that fits your energy. Another person hosted a reflective storytelling circle by candlelight. At one point we sat in silence in a forest just being grateful for the nature around us. We did treasure hunts and an organic public speaking class. None of it was on the schedule, and that is what made it extraordinary.
It reminded me that when people are invited to share their strengths, they stop being attendees and start becoming participants.
Lessons from the Castle
Surprise is great. But delight is better.
Sensory design matters. A flickering candle can say more than a keynote speaker.
Participation changes everything. People want to be part of the story.
The best moments aren’t on the agenda. So leave room for them.
Inclusivity means variety. Of tone, energy, food, sound, and space.
What we’re taking with us
So how does this all connect to what we do at BoomPop?
A big lesson for me was that great event design doesn’t require high production value. The people make the experience.The balance between surprise and comfort, between planning and spontaneity ignite it. People want to be part of the story, not the audience.
That’s exactly what we strive to do for our client events. We design the container for connection. We make room for curiosity. We hold space for both laughter and reflection. The College took that philosophy to the edge and said, “Now live it.”
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