The Experience Economy, With a New Preface by the Authors

3

The Show Must Go On

For his older brother Nicky’s birthday, Conrad purchased a rather unusual gift. Feeling Nicky had become too stuffy and set in his executive ways, Conrad contracted with Consumer Recreation Services (CRS) to stage a rather elaborate experience. No present needed unwrapping as Conrad simply handed his brother a CRS-furnished card, inviting Nicholas Van Orton to participate in “The Game.” Once he accepted the offer, Nicky found himself involved in a world all its own, with intriguing characters drawing him into seemingly life-threatening situations, curiously assimilated into his day-to-day routines. Every time he thought he had it figured out, a new twist emerged until the events finally spiraled into a fast-paced climax. ...