In this blog, Thomas Bruhn reflects on the limitations of conventional scientific conferences and explores how alternative, highly interactive formats can foster deeper exchange, collaboration, and collective creativity. Drawing on his experience designing and co-creating the reimagined FONA Forum with the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, he illustrates how conferences can move beyond information consumption toward genuine participation and community-building. The article invites researchers and organisers to experiment with bold, participatory formats that better support inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex societal challenges.