Who an event is for is more complicated than you might think.
Commencement, for example, is not for the graduates. It seems like it is, but it’s actually for two different other communities. It’s for the parents and grandparents of the graduates, who crave a formal milestone to recognize the work they’ve put in raising their children. And it’s for the administration of the school, to congratulate themselves on a successful year and to clarify their mission and messaging.
Concerts seems like their for their audience, but often they’re not. High school choir concerts are for the performers to demonstrate their growth and achievement.
Knowing who an event is for helps us to shape the event, helps us choose what to include and exclude, and how to enjoy the event whether it’s for us or not.