Murder, Mayhem, and Milestone: IIBA UK’s Killer Workshop in London
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
On a chilly Tuesday evening, February 11, 2025, something mysterious (and seriously fun) went down in the heart of London. No, it wasn’t a rogue business analyst wreaking havoc with a dodgy PowerPoint deck—it was the Murder Mystery Experience, brilliantly orchestrated by the IIBA UK Chapter and hosted by the fabulous folks at Methods Analytics.
This wasn’t your average business analysis workshop. Oh no. This was a full-on, brain-tickling, clue-chasing, mystery-solving extravaganza. Imagine CSI meets business analysis, with a generous splash of team spirit and just enough cheeky humour to keep things spicy.
The mission? Unravel the suspiciously final movements of one Richard Milestone, a project manager whose last known location was… well, that’s what you had to figure out in the hilariously titled game: Locate the Body. (Yes, really.)
Participants stepped into the shoes of business analyst detectives, armed not with magnifying glasses but with trusty tools like swimlane diagrams, stakeholder maps, and affinity charts.
Who knew process mapping could be this thrilling?
So, What Went Down?
Let’s break it down like a post-mortem (a metaphorical one, of course):
- Teamwork that slayed: From seasoned business analysis professionals to wide-eyed newbies, everyone rolled up their sleeves and collaborated like pros—sharing ideas, chasing leads, and debating clues like it was their day job. (For some, it kind of is.)
- Communication on point: Listening to the video clues and turning chaos into clarity? Check. Speaking up, backing theories, and piecing together the puzzle? Double check. If communication was a crime, this group was absolutely guilty.
- Top-tier team building: Picture a room buzzing with energy, trust, and just a tiny bit of competitive spirit. Whether you came with friends or solo, by the end, everyone was part of the same crime-solving crew.
And the Takeaways?
Beyond the laughs, snacks, and mild suspicion of everyone around you, there were some serious skills in play:
- Skill flexing: Attendees got hands-on with analysis tools in a whole new context, proving that stakeholder mapping is useful even when there's a body to find.
- Real-world networking: In a world increasingly glued to screens, this in-person event reminded us of the magic that happens when passionate people gather and geek out together.
- Personal growth: Confidence soared, connections were made, and collaboration was taken to the next level. Plus, who doesn’t want “solved a fictional murder using swimlane diagrams” on their LinkedIn?
We’re already dying to see what they come up with next!
If you’re interested in local, community-based events on a variety of business analysis topics, there are hundreds to choose from. Chapters around the world host events all the time, in every time zone and in numerous languages. Explore IIBA’s Chapter Events Calendar to see the full list.
About the Author
Business analysis and Adriana crossed paths in 2016, after she was working with business improvement for a few years. Since then, Adriana has learned and applied business analysis tools alongside approaches from various disciplines in her professional journey that also includes careers in areas such as teaching and Human Resources. Business analysis gives Adriana plenty of opportunities to satisfy her curiosity. Adriana first heard of IIBA back in 2019, which was timely for her as it brought a wealth of new contacts and learning opportunities that made her life much more interesting during the pandemic days—and she continues to find plenty of reasons to be part of this amazing organization!
