Why Scrum calls it an Event, not a Ceremony or Meeting

Scrum events differ from traditional meetings, or ritualistic ceremonies.

Understanding the Essence of Scrum Events

Scrum has transformed the landscape of product development. One of its unique aspects is its terminology, particularly in how it defines specific gatherings as 'events' rather than meetings or ceremonies. This distinction is not merely semantic; it reflects the core principles and dynamics of the Scrum framework.

The Nature of Scrum Events

1. Scheduled Regularity

Scrum events occur at set times. This regularity ensures consistency and predictability in the process, which is vital for maintaining the rhythm and momentum of the project.

2. Triggered Regardless of Progress

Scrum events are unique in that they occur irrespective of the progress made. This ensures that the team regularly reflects, plans, and adapts, keeping aligned with its goals, regardless of the current state of progress. Just like events, they will happen.

3. Focused Objectives

Each event in Scrum has a specific focus. Whether it's the Sprint Planning that allows the team to brainstorm how they approach the sprint goal, the Daily Scrum that allows replanning, the Sprint Review, where the increment is reviewed and what next is negotiated, or the Sprint Retrospective, where they introspect and plan for improvements – each has a distinct and focused purpose.

4. Defined Outcomes

Unlike traditional meetings, Scrum events are designed to yield specific outcomes. Each event is structured to produce tangible results that directly contribute to success.  These outcomes are often reflected in the Scrum artefacts.

5. Critical Occurrences

In Scrum, something important must happen in each event. These are not mere discussions but pivotal moments where decisions are made, progress is assessed, and future plans are laid out.

6. Risk Management through Timeboxing

Scrum actively controls risk by using timeboxes to trigger inspection and adaptation. This discipline ensures that events happen and inspections triggered.

Why Not a Meeting or Ceremony?

Beyond the Conventional Meeting

Most Scrum events are not typical sit-down meetings. They are active working and brainstorming sessions where participants collaborate, solve problems, and make swift decisions.

Many traditional meetings often need more apparent objectives and outcomes. They can become platforms for prolonged discussions with no concrete decisions or actions. In contrast, Scrum events are action-oriented, focused, and value-outcome-driven. They are structured to facilitate progress, not just random conversations.
If your events do not serve empiricism and continuous improvement with clear purpose and outcome, I suggest you trigger a retrospection to move away from boring, unproductive meetings.

More than a Ceremony

The term 'ceremony' might imply a formal, ritualistic process with little flexibility. Scrum events are dynamic and adaptive, embodying the Agile principle of people and interactions over process and tool. They are not just process necessities that run ritualistically but essential activities to embrace empirical process control.  Scrum does not define how these events are run; the way the team runs the meeting is up to the team.  Should the events run like a ceremony or ritual, I suggest triggering a retrospection.

Inspiring a New Perspective

Redefining these gatherings as 'events' rather than meetings or ceremonies is a subtle yet powerful aspect of Scrum. It encourages teams to view these occasions not as bureaucratic necessities but as vital, dynamic interactions that propel the product forward. This perspective fosters a more engaged, proactive, and result-oriented mindset, which is crucial for the success of any product.

In embracing the term 'event,' Scrum underscores its commitment to efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement. These events support the three pillars of empiricism: transparency, inspection and adaptation.   It's an invitation to think differently about collaboration and “project management” – but an invitation to be more agile and improve what is not working well.

This redefinition is more than a play on words and a fundamental shift in how we approach teamwork and product management in an Agile context. By understanding and embracing the true nature of Scrum events, teams can unlock their full potential and steer their products towards more tremendous success.

I will leave you with this quote from Richard Bach:

There are no mistakes. The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary to learn what we need to know; whatever steps we take, they're essential to reach the places we've chosen to go.