Years ago, I collaborated with an insurance agency to conduct a tax seminar. It was a simple sharing session, free of charge, held at my office with about 50 participants.

It seemed straightforward—share knowledge, add value, keep things professional.

To me, that’s what mattered.

But after the seminar, the insurance guy came to me, shook his head slightly, and said, “You don’t have 排场 (a proper ‘show’). 美中不足, otherwise it would’ve been perfect.”

I was shocked.

Shocked…because it was a free sharing session.

Shocked…because the venue was in my office.

Shocked…because I didn’t think I needed to “put on a show” to deliver value.

At that moment, I felt slightly amused. Since when did a sharing session need 排场—grand decorations, extravagant spot light, or some dramatic flair?

Perhaps the insurance guy saw things differently. In his line of work, appearances matter.

May be people expect grand presentations, five-star venues, and a certain “wow factor” to feel reassured about their investments. .

But I am an old school auditor and tax agent. Not a showman.

My focus has always been on the content, not the curtains. On delivering substance, not spectacle.

That was the first and last time I collaborated with that insurance guy.

I won’t “put on a show” for the sake of appearances. I’ll let my work and expertise do the talking.

Looking back, perhaps my seminar didn’t have 排场. But I’m proud to say it had purpose. And for those who attended, that was more than enough.

Question for you: How much 排场 do you think matters in professional events?