In order not to appear “cheeky” to Gen Z, older managers (Millennials, Gen X and Boomers) are constantly trying to stay ahead of workplace trends. However, in doing so, sometimes leaders can miss the mark – which seems to be exactly what happened at the Canva Create conference on May 23rd.
Attendees were able to score a spot at the event for $175. The conference was broadcast live around the world.
“Whether you're a professional, non-profit, educator or creative, it's shaping up to be a world-class creative festival with the unique opportunity to learn and connect with like-minded innovators,” the company said.
But in a now-viral clip, a musical performance featuring a rapper and six backup dancers is rumored to be “pulled”.
Although the entire performance feels like an off-Broadway parody of Hamilton, thanks to the pacing and chatter in the lyrics, the comments weren't what the producers wanted to see.
I just canceled my Canva subscription pic.twitter.com/4H0dLKFdMa
– Chris Bakke (@ChrisJBakke) May 26, 2024
Imagine spending your entire childhood waking up early, traveling, competing, developing eating disorders, all just to get into Juilliard to become a professional dancer, and then end up being a backup dancer in tech battle rap number at Canva corporate employee summit https://t.co/klmJNoAsl4
– Ana ??? (@GovernorAnne) May 26, 2024
Yes, this is the sharp peak. Lean into the squeeze, make it their brand. Get us talking about how bad it's going to be, so we anticipate the next conference.
pic.twitter.com/4nvm3UYXLV— Brad Colbow (@bradcolbow) May 27, 2024
just wanted to take a moment to apologize and take home everything nice i've ever said about canvas. pic.twitter.com/aJVa9ROHaQ
— Alex (@alekliving) May 26, 2024
Connected: Turning Points: Melanie Perkins, Co-Founder and CEO, Canva
Canva isn't the first company to get pushback for “cringe” at a company event this month. Earlier in May, in Google I/O eventhe was also a musician mocked for his performance.
Canva did not immediately respond of the entrepreneur request for comment.