An Event About Events
Disclaimer:
Everything below is a mix of what I observed and heard during the event. The goal isn’t to pinpoint "who exactly said what," but to share (usually) an outsider's view and overall perspective on these industries. I’m not here to act as a definitive firsthand source—readers should do their own research. I hope this inspires you to attend events, explore new industries, and hear what leaders are presenting. These notes combine my observations with thoughts on how things could run smoother and how ideas connect (IMO). I’m not an expert, you know? Just hanging out in the room with them. Enjoy!Topics: Event Hosting, Local Talents, Catering, Live Entertainment, Virtual Streaming, Audio, Video, Customer Experience, Event Management,
Last year, this was one of the most memorable events I attended all year. I wanted to return and see how it was a second year around. Would the same amazing vendors be there (a legit full-fledge hot air balloon?) would last year’s issues repeat (like, not enough attendees?) Would it be as incredible as before? This show has been hosted in Seattle for decades!! Let’s go with my daughter for the first day and independently on the second… let’s see what this Events Show has to show us about events!
Why Attend: Whether it’s an up coming wedding, graduation, conference, party, and more… you gotta deliver to the people. This two day gathering hosts vendors, planners, and everything in between, so that your parties can be the best - and at the best locations.
Overall Event Review: Venue (5/5), Food (5/5), Speaker Content (4.5/5), Networking (3.5/5), Likeliness to Return (5/5)… (more below)
Photo Collage and Commentary:
Notes from The Event:
WE NEED MORE INTERESTED PEOPLE AT EVENTS!! MORE ATTENDEES! AND I’m sure there are a lot of people who’d love to be here if only they knewww!!! That’s my quick first statement.
This is something I could work on?? Haha. At least let it marinate… this idea. Working with events and local communities and connecting them. Finding group packages, convincing people to go, etc. There is so much to be learned at live conferences and events. People don’t even realize how great it is to go + get out of their house, till they’re there!!! Market, people, market… and market in surprising places. Right? Hm. People just don’t’ even realize how awesome this stuff is. It’s so fun to visit things like this. Especially this event.
And these events want more people, right? I think colleges and various groups of women entrepreneurs, etc… they should be more informed events are happening. We need more people at the events.
Now, how do we go about covering this event? Well, I attended two days, one with my daughter, one without. So let’s break it into two sections. The first, I’ll just discuss how amazing the event is with my daughter. The second, I’ll take notes on more of teh details and vendors I talked to. A lot of this will be notes I can turn back to, so hopefully in teh future I can host events of my own! It’s also people I liked to talk to, some I may go visit their venues/activities in the future, and I suggest you all check them out if it sounds up your alley, too!
DAY 1 / MOM STYLE
Okay, I LOVEDDD this event. It exceeded my expectations spectacularly, and it seems like every mistake of last year, they learned from - and then nailed it this year. Especially into Day 2, as I met with even more vendors and saw its success, I was thrilled to see it wrap up with such a grand delivery. It could have gone on another day, easily, hahaha.
I don’t know if you have a kid, but it can be extremely boring to entertain them. And then, sometimes they entertain themselves but you’re stuck at a playground trying to stay entertained. And then, what? Just looking at your phone ? eew!! And hard on your neck, no thank you. I love to take my daughter to things that I enjoy too.
That’s why, right at the last minute, I canceled plans for daycare and knew I wanted to bring her.
The year before, there were acrobats, food galore, a literal hot air balloon, animals, theatrics. I mean, you name it, it was there. But also last year, it was SO empty. And it was (I think) my first time at that venue… so it was sorta surreal to see.
This year, we walked back to that same venue, found out a different venue was going on, then walked over to the correct venue nearby.
It was fun this year, all on one floor. The event, I’d guess, hosted 100 tables? And then there were three rooms for speaking (plus an incredible immersive speech room in the middle of it all, we’ll get to that ‘tomorrow’).
For this day, we just walked all around the floor. Basically, my plan was just to visit every booth with my daughter, see whey do, see how they react, and see what she’s interested in. I wanted to see what everyone was selling, and people always love when kids are around. Usually, these things have lots of goodies for parents to bring back to their kids, so when the kid is literally there, it’s a fun change of pace.
Plus, the expectations are low. Everyone just smiles, is cute, is happy, interacts, then we move on. It’s like Halloween on overdrive.
So we went around picking up pens, stickers, cookies, stuffed animals, flashing bracelets, booklets, ice cream, played video games, saw people dressed up in costumes, drank drinks, listened to musicians, watched videos… we had a complete blast!!
That’s what I love about these things and taking her. It’s just showing her all that is possible in the world.
It’s like a fun time for everyone, especially me, and I can get work done too.
A number of people I spoke to were surprised and awoken by this idea. I was telling them, with her right there, how this event specifically is one of the most kid-friendly events of them all. It really is. There are so many amazing snacks and so much to see.
Does this event want a bunch of kids there? Ummmm… probably not? Right? Or hell yeah? Maybe!! I mean, what kinds of parents would bring their kids to this? Involved parents, creative ones? People who have good birthday parties? Idk - maybe. And maybe the kids can grow up to learn about the industry or remind parents? Idk. It’s not the worst idea and I think there’s something here.
For sure more attendees who are college students, event high school, could be attending things like this. For sure high school! and college. Especially if you’re interested in the industry - cause then you can GO WORK AT THESE PLACES. Omg its literally so genious.
We need to hire me (or someone go start a business) that connects communities with events. And gets people experience the epicness and fun of live events and conferences. There are too many takeaways and it’d be so beneficial for younger people (and anyone/everyone).
Although this year only was one floor, it’s like every single table came to play! Every tabled delivered and there was so much to see. We saw massage tables, coffee, alcohol, games, acupuncture, fortune telling, pickle ball, and then like catering GALORE! There was so much good food: meatballs, mini pizzas, falafels, hummus, mini burgers, tacos, samosas… I mean, everything!!
We traveled totally on foot this time, too. Instead of with a stroller, like usual. She said she wanted to, so, we gave it a whirl.
This ended up working out so great. A number of times, I repeated to her our route: involving walking, maybe some busses, the subway, you know… it’s good to keep the kids ‘in the know’ of the whole process, then they can stay onboard. We got along well for the entire route and she was fantastic at traveling. She cooperated well and is good with public transit safety. It’s fun to explore with her and show her some of my favorite things about life.
It’s fun to go to these types of events and collaborative information sessions downtown cause it’s almost like going on a holiday. You travel into a new world filled with new information, new people, sometimes familiar things here and there… but lots to learn and explore.
DAY 2 / SOLO STUNNIN’ (MORE DETAILS COMING SOON)
Okay, I LOVEDDD this event. It exceeded my expectations spectacularly, and it seems like every mistake of last year, they learned from - and then nailed it this year.
There were many cool peopel you could hire to come to help with your events + I heard a lot of speakers. I’ll put the ‘people/companies’ to work with below, then the speech notes even further below that.
Catering
Food Trucks - there were many food trucks, only a few of them brought their trucks literally (versus last year, many did!)
I think it actually didnt’ matter if you brought it or not. Some just had pictures of their truck, but the tables you could walk right up to - and then have incredible food, that was pretty awesome. I found the trucks being a bit of a barrier to entry this year, at this event, compared to competitors. Maybe the trucks could be a bit more middle-ground.
Cooking while there
A few companies cooked while there. Whether I in their trucks or at the table.
One was cool, subzero ice cream, something like that - where they use dry ice within the ice cream to create it right there with a special effect and taste. I spoke with this table for a while and the host offered for me to come to one of his shows and report on it.
None of the dates he offered are available for my schedule, but I’ll try to attend in the future.
Technical Things
Lighting and Visuals, Virtually Streaming - lots of people there who could help you stream your shows and events. Even give you amazing backgrounds on green screen - wherever you wanna look like you are hosting the interview, it delivers.
Easy for the person who does it all teh time, but for the guest, telling them (okay, pretend blah blah blah) you know they’re gonna feel a little awkward hahaha.
Private Presentation Audio + Translating - one company offered private audio through bluetooth headphones. So you can host presentations right tin the middle of an event, just to whoever has the headphones. Also they can translate to 80+ languages in real time with 80-90% accuracy.
The technology is getting there.
This company did a good job showing their value, offering free talks throughout the show. These competed with the paid talks, actually… and anyone who had the itch to “sit and listen” could join their presentations. They brought plenty of headphones nad had plenty of seats.
I do think their headphones were like Josie and the Pussycats the movie, though. If you don’t know waht I’m talking about, go watch that movie or look it up (and the point of the headphones at that show in the movie). They looked similar ahhahaha.
Event Management
Scheduling - a number of companies here for hosting events at a massive level (but i’m like, for now, i’d just use lu.ma or Eventbrite if I hosted an event) 💁♀️ Keeping track of payments, arrival, etc.
Necklaces and Nametags - this company was front and center last year, I remember. Again this year they shined. With custom lanyards, add ons, ribbons, etc. Smart!! Those littel things are needed at events.
Bus Coordinating - loved this guy!! He was an entrepreneur who had built this app on the side, all scrappy grassroots. It’s like a booking app for busses for people who need to book charter busses. Just, I see a lot of people with ideas (and you see people take investors money) - so the fact this guy was self funded and had a really good looking app, it was great to see. I hope he does well. I think he will. He has good taste and it was coming together nicely. I’ll even give them a shoutout here: buslane is the name of the company. Do your own research, haha.
Activities
Crafting & Painting By Numbers
LOTS of painting activities, to all degrees. Painting on things you end up gluing, painting by numbers, painting on huge canvases, panting on various materials - hahah. And it’s so funny (and relieving, but also dorky/wholesome/sweet) cause everyone’s like, “All of the corporate employees love when we visit” hahahah. Omg. See? peopel love art.
But everyone loves art. Just provably surprises the corporate people the most since they’ve removed theirselves from so much unpredictability and creativity. I had the best time doing this with my daughter on the first day, and the second day I just didn’t even have enough time to do a lot of it. Again!! This event could be three days for the attendees. hahaha. It’s really too much fun and too much to offer. (Duh. It’s a huge event show with samples hahaha). It’s so so fun.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture. Well, now that I’ve done it with my doctor a few times, I’m kinda a fan.
This business sells massive acupuncture to your entire staff in just 45 minutes. I let her try me!!!! hahahahaha. Idk. Just yolo. But idk if I’d love this at a corporate event? However, at the time I stopped by, she wasn’t acupuncturing ANYONE - so I figured she could give me her full attention. I survived.
Massage
I didn’t make time for a massage. But it’s a cool/funny thing to offer at events.
Sound Baths
These are really trending lately, and greeted you at the front door of the event this year. I think they’ve really picked up in popularity this past year (and I”d guess twitter has a lot to do with it. At least for me, so much info about sound therapy, bells, vibration healing keeps filling my feeds. probably many others. and also just the artform itself growing.). Cool to see!! Why not, give it a go!
Musicians
There were a few musicians here, dealing piano people (but I never heard them duelll!!!!)
Rappers who performed pre-award ceremony (incredible!! “Little Lebowski” - and as I wrote about, they had the most fun ‘stage presence’)
Immersive Actors
Not as many this year, no problem. Last year there were A LOT.
They were like, “ever been to immersive theater” and I was like, “yeah! I acted in a play on a boat for a month in Shanghai”. lol. It was so funN!!!!!
I wish there were more cheaper theater in this city! ANd more opportunties for acting classes that aren’t at night.
Kayak Tours
This guy was interesting and goes on cool tours all over the West Seattle coast. He said I can come check out the journey and do coverage on it - but then he also asked me to happy hour in the first text + a selfie. Not gonna totally call him out, but stuff like this is why I get a little skeptical of anything sometimes. Plus, IlLike to get to know people, you know? hahah. But not over drinks :). Maybe tea.
I told him I don’t drink (I was on my way to AMC anyway) - but if he wants to chat about the work together, lemme know. He didn’t reply. Alright.
Whale Watching
This is a cool event and something I never really thought to do - but, I’d like to take my daughter probably. Or maybe just go alone and really soak it in. Then do a report on it for the blog. Let’s see.
I liked this group and they said their business is consistent. It was good to hear (though—- I did see something online lately, I didnt look into it much at all, but it said it’s ILLEGAL to interact with orca and dolphin in the wild ocean? something like that - like DONT EVEN LOOK AT THEM. it’s illegal. The video was speculating on “why” - but I was like, omg I don’t have time for that rabbit hole right now hahahaha. They are the 2nd most intelligent species though, right? I’m like, okay. Another time hahaha. I can look into that some other time or some other life.)
Venues
Farms
There are a number of farms and agriculture sites that offer stays and tours, too.
This is a very smart move for the business.
One business invited me to travel a few hours and come stay on their property. Tour it, the facilities, learn all about it and see the sights. I told them I’d look into it and consider! Their pitch was, “love the mountains? love R&R? then this is a match made in heaven.” hahaha.
So. I told them, wow!! I’m really a rare type, in my preferences, so it’s very lucky to stumble upon you guys.
I tried to match them with an equally dorky joke. Seems it was well receive (though retelling it now is a bit sloppy hahahah)
Peninsulas / Islands
Some of the local island have amazing resorts and venues!!
Seattle has some of the best places to explore!!! I love all there is to find around here - and learn toO!! Its’ like, mostly you can fill your time learning - but also, there are incredible places to see all over the state/surrounding areas.
Beach Development
There were manyyyy water/beach-side places that looked amazing to visit. One had been family owned for over 100 years.
But one stood out to me as a wild investment piece. It is a big chunk of land, waterside, that has a bunch of new homes, all painted pastel, with like a town center (pic above) - and it’s all rental. SO it’s like a beachside rental community? Wild. Wild idea and wild future. But I think it’s the future. It’s like an entire Airbnb town.
Pier in Seattle - I really enjoyed talking with this cluster of restaurants and entertainment by the water. I didn’t realize the whole group itself is called Salish at Sea, or something like that. Their marketing is confusing. But recently, I explored the venue and it’s extremely awesome. Before, I’d only ever been to one of their restaurant “the Crab Pot” but, I took my daughter inside one day to explore and there are even more restaurants, an arcade, even a little theme park.
The guys I spoke to at this event were recently hired to start hosting events at this venue. I think that’s an incredible idea!!! This is such a good location, such a great nostalgic look. It needs to survive and thrive.
They offered for me to come by, do the whole adventure, and report on it with my daughter - for free! So I’m going to do it. hahah.
I think this is such a key cute staple of Seattle that is so underrated, maybe even to itself!! But I think it’s an amazing little spot to stop by with kids - or on a date - for a few minutes or a few hours.
I’m excited to see how this specific venue and business evolves over the next few years and I’d like to support it. I like what they’re doing so far and I like that they’re investing into its relevancy in the city (especially as the city + waterfront specifically are becoming more kid/family friendly). It’s a great move to attract an international market. Especially with FIFA coming, too (but also on the “down” days, when there’s nothing to do, it’s rainy. They feature the best stuff!! So, yeah. I’ll go do a report on them hahaha.
Places Downtown Seattle - Lots of venues, restaurants, had booths here. Now that I think about it, the Seattle conference center itself didn’t have that “wow” of a venue. I know you’d think you dont’ need to - but if you could come up with a really cool table for yourself (I mean, it’s all already there) that could be a really great opportunity. Cause sometimes you dont’ even notice where you are. Or the companies go, well, you’re here, so just look around. They feel permission to be lazy. But it’s also an excuse to shine and dazzle!!
Places in Bellevue - I think that Bellevue doesn’t have its own events show… this is the NORTHWEST events show, so yeah, not a big deal to travel a few miles. So companies from Bellevue (and all over Washington) were here. Venues for parties, clubs, catering, restaurants, hotels, entertainment, etc.
Boats- Yep! Go on boats for your events. I did that recently. One ship company has four boats and recently added a little meeting space at the harbor. This you can rent out for hours at a time, too. Very smart move, IMO. Having the land + water experience available , all within your company.
Hotels- It was fun to hear from hotels from this angle. Usually you hear from them as an overnight guest, but learning about the hundreds of rooms available, you can work with any budget.
Conference Centers - I spoke with a number of conference centers, especially the Bell Harbor. I congratulated her on their incredible food from the Ai Power event I’d gone to. I still think of it, it was local and spectacular and healthy. She said her chef works to achieve exactly that, and I said it completely comes through. Lots of conference centers that I’ve been to weren’t here, though. I wonder why!? haha. Someone should make an app for booking conference centers, like that guy did with booking busses. Me!? hahah.
Community Centers - I didn’t talk to any directly, but a number of them were there from different companies and communities. In the future, these are great places to work with on a number of projects and events.
NOTES FROM SPEECHES
I attended a few speeches, maybe saw 5 speakers. Some of these people had some very impressive resumes… though, again, just makes me wonder if it puts talent to work on projects that are double-sided, you know?
Like “wow!!! you’ve worked for these big corporations in narrative telling?!” But, I have to ask… okay, what narratives? Why? What were you hiding? You know? But… you never get those answers. Not from these speeches. Instead they just gave us pinpoints and methodology.
Great takeaways from these speeches truly talented people sharing incredible insight. Not being sarcastic or anything. It was truly lucky and cool to learn from these people. And I want to share this knowledge and let’s use it to make the world even better and bright.
How to be a compassionate geek?
(I arrived late to this, so I only heard the last bit)
Treat someone with dignity and respect
Manage your behavior to treat them with respect
Maybe you treat them that way and they treat another that way. That flame starts to go all o the way around the world. People you don’t know, people who will never know you
Your actions and your choices made a difference for them. All the while around the world all because you lit a flame. That’s how to be a compassionate geek.
— everyone is invited to give feedback to the speaker by scanning a QR code and following a ratig system hahaha. Wild. Now that the speech has ended.
The host said everyone loves to hear feedback about their speech
He agrees, absolutely
Omg hahah. I guess that’s true!
Okay, now it’s Q&A, while everyone gives feedback on their phones. Distracting format, jsut a little. imo.
Question: no matter what you’re doing, in the event industry, many times you need to play many roles. As a communication expert, what are some of the key crucial skills to speak to a variety of audiences? You’ve talked to some of the most challenging peopel out there. What key skills can we use to talk to various audiences?
You have to respect the audience
As speakers we have to in the choices we make
Listen to what they say
Great speakers often spend as much time listening to audience members as they do talking to them. Listen and learn what’s important to them
Listen and learn your craft -what to do and what not to do?
*like what!? Haha
What do you do with a difficult personality when you’re getting lost in translation and getting frustrated?
- behavior choices. Myself included, peopel get into emotionally charged situations. When we’re in these, our emotions take over, we need to take a breath and let not let our emotions manage us.
We deal with people who are being difficult. Try to give them grace, you may not know their story. Something terrible may have happened with them right before their encounter with you. Stay calm and see if you can help them.
Next Speaker: about to challenge everything you thought you knew about alignment, wellness, and living a truly badass life. Fitness, midlife wellness, and empowerment.
Founder of menopause strength society. Basass reset club podcast
Hiked the rim to rim Grand Canyon
Full blown iron. Man
Ran NYC marathon three times
Align your health, wealth, and mental wellness.
Tech problem with the intro music “I forgot to click the slide twice, so that w’as the beautiful walk-on music”
“I was on a ladder the day I got the call (she starts off stepped up on a ladder)
A week before she went to see his dad
But then he’s on his bed looking at the corner. He said, “I don’t know how I got here”
Think about hte preverbal ladders we stand on when something life altering happens.
He was talking about how he didn’t understand how his life just passed him by, almost without permission.
This got me thinking about the ladder effect
3 Key Rungs:
Physical Wellness
Mental Health
Purpose
When they align, you’re doing great.
Rewrite your “I am” stories. It’s the shortest sentence I the English language and yet so powerful. We say these things to ourselves a lot, like “I am tired”, “I am so out of shape”, “I am working so hard but still not getting where I want to be in my career”. If this sounds familiar, it’s cause we do this all the time.
Rewrite them: I am vibrant, working on my sleep hygiene, and doing a good job. I am someone who works out, a capable leaders, a very fast learner.
The way that we change these things aroudn and rewrite these stories, tehy form new neural pathways in our minds
Want to put your fitness routine in your daily plan? Say, “I am” - I am someone who shows up for myself, someone wh plans ahead, lays out my clothes… shows up and gets that dopamine hit I get from my workout. Visualize the person you want to be
How do you see yourself? How do you believe in yourself? How do you SPEAK TO YOURSELF?
SCREW YOUR GOALS!!!!
Did you know that goals are an often unsustainable and unfulfilled practice?? It’s why we have national quitters day on January 19. Not even 3 weeks apart. The approach is wrong!!!
Screw your goals and set expectations.
Goals are great for outlining, but setting expectations is where we get the behavior changes needed to get there
After working in this industry for two decades. I”ve seen so many peopel set goals.
What do you rely on? Motivation.
Motivation is a fickle biotch.
Instead, set EXPECTATIONS.
You might say to yourself: I’m going to learn 10 pounds before I got to Mexico next month.
If I get all my fiver, protein, veggies… I’m going to be feeling so good in Mexico next month
I am going to meditate 60 min every day? Probably not
I’m gong to get a meditation guide and try to use it twice this week, then I’m going to grow.
Meaningful Momentum
Moving forward with purpose. Doing and building something bigger than you
Constantly evolving, growing, learning - not cause you have to , but because something inside of you is calling for more.
Getting up int he morning with intention, moving with clarity, going to bed not just existing but living. It’s where we create truly badass lives.
Omg her speech was so fun and awesome. Finally when I took a min to take a pic of her ladder, she turned it around and its said whatever it said not he camera hahah. I didnt even see. Then she stepped back on it and then someone took it away. Her speech was really awesome though haha. It was really performanitve but great. I wonder how much time it took
Question: How can we eat more healthy on the run?
This is something we think we’ll handle later. You’re going to feel terrible unless you plan ahead
YOU must get hydrated and protein in the morning. Get satiated. So your blood sugar is stable.
If you didn’t do it this morning, there are good protein sources in the expo, but let’s plan ahead
Plan and be strategic with what’s coming ahead
The host replies mhmm, yeah, yeah. And you are a menopause expert! Tell us about that?
I feel like she’s only half listening, also half paying attention to the logistics of this show. And the presenters can feel it. It reminds me of being on podcasts that are run by one-person shows, as the guest. You notice if someone is fully engaged or not, but then you need to remember the audience is!
Guys, you can hear this too. This is a hot topic because it’s effecting every woman, should she make it to that stage. There are thousands of women entering each day. We need support. We need help. The way you move, eat, sleep is all very important. We can take that into our businesses as well. There are great businesses learning how to support women better and learn what they can do.
A little wild that during the Q&A everyone gets feedback and evaluated. Feels like “the future”, greattt— now rate the presenterrrr!! (But I dont want to do this. I dont want to scan things, etc - or rate them)
This guy used to help craft powerful narratives for global audiences. TedX speaker coach. Helped promote events for Microsoft. Helped take audiences from here to there, while making your point unforgettable to audiences.
She remembers the music this time, lol. Its hard to to it all!!
“The Pen is mightier than the statistic: make your point with the story wheel
He shows up on stage, “when I was a tike, I had a big bike, I’m a big kid. I tilted to the left, right, the family beagle was barking. This was my tricycle, I know I’m a good bike rider. Someone told me to pedal, I did, barely missing the dog. They told me to turn, I did, spraying mud all over the dog. Poor dog, poor me. Well, this was not at all working. These training wheels were just gettin gin the way. Luckily I had a simple wrench simple enough for a four year old to use. I could remove it and then I was free and riding and having ht best time . Your career success depend son communication. Communicate well and the world o-en us to you.
- communicate poorly and you stall
You want to soar because that’s how you get the promotions and the raise and everything the you deserve.
SToryeliin his key because our brains are wired for story. It’s how we learn, we understand, wan how we remember. But storytelling is hard. Coming up with something his complex.
But if we learn hw to tell stories, the world opens up to us
The one thing you need to know now to get rolling… it spins to get a story going quickly:
All good
Oh shift!! Hte world wobbles and nothing is ever the same
Wish bak… humans want to reverse time 7 seconds or 7 years
The wheel turns on so we run-in -place, trying to approach we’ve always done. None of this works ,and we’re almost about to give up when
Eureka! That unexpected insight and innovation, we use it to solve our problem and restorify hte world better than it was before
We’ve learned to be wiser. A moral is the difference between a story and a mirror anecdote.
I’m going to teach you how to write a story quicker than you can finish your double decaf latte with extra cream, no sugar. (Double decaf? hahah)
Very simple, a simple paper palate
He throws story wheel frisbees into the audience. Only one catches them.
Note to self - slow down when you’re giving speeches.
A story can open up all kinds of messaging for you. It’s so cool. You can use it for a scales script that keeps your company afloat.
Introduce a new product?
An event report for your just finished event.
You collected all teh data, what do you do with all this info? How do you make sense of it?
Create a long report, add statistics, data to. Make it sound scientific, poilsh it off with clever writing and fantastic visuals. If you’re stuck, take your chances on chatgpt… that always works, right?
But you’re not making a connection with your client. IF you don’t believe it, I’ll send you another emaill, okay? The fact channel is ful. The brain can’t handle any more data noise. Your job is to encourage your reader to read what you’ve reading
Using qualative context can help explain qualitative data
Start with a summary, story based. It’s the way into the client’s brain. Invite them into your world.
His client has a flood, they decide to go to another city, go virtual, etc…
Did new venues open up cause other place freaked over the hurricane?
Yes! A new venue is available last minute and on sale
Convenient. Especially when your huge companies you work with have HUGE TECHNOLOGY.
20% planning, 80% adapting
If you want to be remembered, the story wheelmakes your story and message memorable, no matter what the message is.
SEE!!! Be remembered, no matter what the message is. (but you worked for decades with these big corporations ‘ no matter what hte message is!?!!? Alert! Not clicking for me. Not cutting it.)
Then he rings the bell of the tricycle and wheels off stage kinda, but then doesn’t cause he stays on the stage.
Point proven. Memorable.
He said if you give him a comment he’ll take it to heart. -the bad comment he’ll put on someone else’s website, okay?
Question: How do you help someone define their signature story? The one to tell?
Recognize the “oh shift”
If you’re a sales person, you think it’s that you need to increase sales. The oh shift is when your competitor introduces a fantastic product ten times better than yours
The eureka moment is the hardest to find, teh unexpected insight we can find in ourselves, the defining thing that separates us from everyone else.
What’s the good initial spark of inspiration to start?
Start with where you are? Don’t start with #1 - Discover the real oh shift and find the innovative moment. Start with an aeson fable, right? T he insurance industry is based on teh ant and the grasshopper because it means to be prepared. Find that moral for you and thin bill on that. He has a very special gift for you today. You can come up and speak with hi and you can get hte story wheel sticker.
You need your own plate - you put the ticker on and it’ll get you started on your great story. A great framework
The speaker hugs the Emcee
The next speaker knows what it means to defy expectations and break barriers, building a blegatcy that goes on for generations. (I’ve heard her speak before)
Her father bought his first investment property in 1950 at 18 years old. He defined redlining ststemic barriers, and financial limitations. For 19 years they got more properties without any and finding.
She’s here to teach you to be a fire starter, to not only follow the narrative but change it
Her outfit looks amazing today.
Her music was good - but short.
I hear someone behind me comment about how great her outfit looks too.
Any of us can change hte narrative despite what society and our adverse circumstances may have dictated. We’re told no… not based on our talent or our ability or our potential? NO its cause our color, our race, and a pronoun, a diabiltiy, a family, a social or economic status… I call individuals that don’t accept no. The fIrestarters
Who was the first person to pick up the baton in your family and start the relay for change by not accepting “no”
They don’t accept the narrative at birth that they were given. The life of getting paycheck to paycheck, waiting to get social security when it’s their time to die. THey’re not born with a silver spoon or trust fund, but they refused to be invisible and have their dreams shunned. They amplify injustice and speak out and protest the unfair. S that the marginalized and those left out of the script will also get their share.
Firestartes know better than tho settle for less and follwo the masses. I witnessed this tenacity grit and Grint from behind my father’s glasses.
My mother taught me to be classy, she’s wised determined and strong.
Success only comes before work in teh dictionary, and if you don’t try you don’t have no one else to blame. At hte end of your journey, ask yourself what woudl be your legacy and how bright will be your flame?
Her family is from the hometown of Detroit, MI.
The color of his skin dictated where he could eat, sleep, work, and thrive. He was a sweet softspokemn mn. Hi father told him to stay in his own lane. Look at the big corporate companies who are hiring in the assembly line. They all worked so hard and barely had enough money to put meals on the table.
His father was a musician and he traveled in his fan. He followed his dreams to Seattle, a place where it’d be safe fr him to build a home. He took classes at UW and lied about his age, working in the vibrant jazz clubs. When times were tough, he’d go do work for businesses and wash their windows for free. At the end, he did such a good job that each company’s management woudl often feel obligated to pay.
He then finally decided to buy his first investment property and struck a deal with a patron in the nightclub. And he found a man and told him, I may be black, I may neb broke, but I’m not broken. And before Airbnb was a consideration, to make the $48 note in 1950, he rented out rooms to his fellow students at hte University.
Next he’s playing drums at “miss Bronze” beauty contest, her father saw his mother She was born second of eight to a family on welfare. She had known at hte early age that she had to help support her family.
Many banks didn’t allow funding in black and brown communities, so they worked on their own.
She’s a now third generation family business, starting with her parents refusing to accept “no”
Only 12% off businesses make it to the third generation. But I come from a long line of fire starers. And my book is called “get UP and Get oN it”, and my late uncle is Quincy Jones. Joe said, “not one ounce of my self worth is decent on your aceptnae of me, so today I leave you to become a frustrated and when you ignite that flame, make it blaze so bright that you leave a trail for generations to follow, thank you!”
Standing ovation.
Questions from the host: You mentioned your uncle is the late Quincy Jones. Tell us a little about your relationship with him and the things you learned from him.
I’m here with my sister (she points behind me), we traveled with him.
I’m like, LOL I think I’m sitting at the same table! hahah, but I didn’t check till the end. Think so.
I had dinners with Nelson Mandela
My uncle told us about philanthropy, they need to give.
YOLO coco, baby - you only live once so keep on keeping on
Last year you won three awards, “Outstanding Mother of the Year by the lung associate, “on the Shoulder of Giants” and the “hometown Hero” by MoPop.
My daughter is here, my kids and legacy mean so much to me. Kids didn’t come here so it’s our obligation to leave that legacy. Just became a grandmother.
Philanthropic work in teh community. You can’t receive with a clenched fist. There’s som such needs in this time where you have to give back
The emcee is back on stage, she says to the speaker, "you’re an active speaker, out speaking all the time, very active on linkedin sharing story. Such a profound story. And after we’re done, she’s giving away copies of her books and copies of the poem.”
The winner gets the birthday closest to today. A guy raises his hand. He gets a book.
This does not have many people in here. Maybe 30 - but enough seats for 100.
Next and last speaker: What makes the generations Tick and What ticks them Off: managing and Motivating in Multigeneraitonal Marketplace
SHe’s eloquent, hilarious, and helps us undreatnd each other better
She’s an award winning speaker and best-selling book author, “Unlocking Generational Codes”
- she’s spent her entire career helping leaders decode complexities of communication and collaborating across generations. SHe’s the youngest of 19 siblings. Worked with huge companies, the NBA, Bloombergs — she has insights that are researched and personally lived.
She’s served on 53 nonprofit, education, and to-rate boards. SHe’s a former president of the National Speakers Association and the past president not just of the local chapter but also the national chapter, which is a huge deal.
She also holds the prestigious certified speaking professional designation and was inducted into the speaker hall of fame. This is an honor that is held by only 1% of speakers worldwide. Her work is more relevant than other.
Connect across age groups
It’s mission critical for any leader who wants to succeed to day and tomorrow. Please get ready to laugh and learn and lean into new insights.
She say, “for 10 years, I lived a two minute walk from the amazon HQ. Every morning I would get not eh elevator a stun to the person next to me. It showed I was from the US and I’d ask, “so, wast do you do?” You’d know I’m from the USA
Trends; I work at amazon. I”d say- oh, you’ve worked thereabout 2-3 weeks? How’d you know?
Um... I work at amazon. Oh, you’ve been there about 2-3 months.
The third trend went like this, “I currently work at amazon - on you’ve been there 6 months
There is a crisis happening among our organizations. 2-3 weeks bright sparkle, 6 months = currently, the codeword.
We’re having a generational shift of what work is in these generations
Ever since covid, things are changing.
We watch the leaders, icons, and events. Events paided with emotions create an imprint. The deeper the emotion, the bigger the imprint. DOn’t only look at what’s happening right now. Look back at formative events between 8-25. What were those imprints that are shaping their actions and reactions today? Like an algorithm running in the background? Pull those forward and begin to understand those codes and all he things that play together.
As you heard, 1 of 19, catholic for those of you who did the math. I’ll tell you a little story of our time. My mom married her high school sweetheart by 28 years old, she’d had the first 10 kids.
The audience goes, “oh my god!!!’ (and btw, YEAH this story is insane! hahah)
On her way to 28, her husband, he had a heart issue. So at 28 years old, he was 30, he had a heart attack and died.
She was widowed at 28 with ten kids.
Now, my mom partners up with her brother in law cause her husband was the oldest of 13. The moved to Spokane. All these priests and n ns watch over this nice young widow.
Meanwhile, my dad moved out here from Boston after WW2 to become a gold pro.
One day, the priest and him were having wine and networking, solving problem
He said we’ve got a big problem, we’ve got this wow. We need to find her a husband.
They said, well what’s wrong with her. She’s great, she’s got 10 kids.
What they didn’t know is that for years my father had said I’m never going to get married, confirmed bachelor, unless I Meet a nice young widow with at least 8 kids.
Be cause what you say!!!
They wrote him a letter
We know that 10 is a high score in golf, but her last name is bird - so all of the kids are little birdies. My dad got this letter, called the priest up
He calls the priest and he says, “okay, I’m interested in this widow”
The week before, he said in his prayers he’s ready to get married.
Great, pick her up Friday at 7pm.
We’ve got this nice bachelor we want to introduce you to.
She said “no” but they told him to come anyway
The guy (her dad) shows up and gets all teh kids into his car, his convertible, and gets all the kids burgers
By the end of the night, she comes downstairs and he’s sitting on the couch
She looks at him and he said, so, will you marry me??
She said: did you see the kids, they come with!!
- she said, NO!! It took him three months to convince her. He asked her every time they met
A couple of years later they had a little girl, a couple of years later tehy had an extra adorable girl. And then a few years later they had another kid. Oops.
Then they do lots of tests and they find out with a CAT scan that her mom has cancer.
You don’t need to live your life alone.
I know what it’s like to be a widow
There’s a perfectly wonderful widow down the street. Go be with her.
My dad and my bonus mom.
She was such a gift to ourfamily
She taught us s many things
They were married for 30 years.
My brothers and sisters have 68 children. They children have 80 children. So everything his a police, right?
This hall woudl be Sunday dinner.
So were making a lasagna and we take it off of the tinfoil, serve it, eat it, then I see her later, she’s putting tinfoil back on
We need to see , thosealgos. Codes.
Notice what code is running and actively choose how you wat to move forward with this.
Here’s our generations. Theis may have different beginnings and dinign than you heard. It depends on historieans (major event), social scientist (mood shifts), demographer (birth numbers)… so if you’er born on the cusp, you’re a casper.
Traditional are all abut workers = get a job and have a roof over your had, 30 years, shake hands boom
Boomers: employees, navigate your way through like a chess game. All competition, all politics. Our first generation of workaholics. Sacrifiedd work and life on the alter, for work, to get ahead.
Gen Xers: Came home one night with a little slip of paper, pink, and all of the sudden that two way loyalty was broken. A generation of free agents. I sign a contract, I work it hard, but if something happens, I will move on. We do not identify as the company. The industry is where they industry. Know who you’re talking to by asking them what hey do. Baby boomers say, “I work for _______”. Get X will say, “I work in ____________.” They give you the industry.
Millenials: the first generation to have absolutely any expectation they’ll stay in teh company they started with. Not just free agents, but also talent. Putting together a portfolio of talent and work they can pick up and work anywhere with. The pandemic accelerated what was in motion
Gen Z: Assume talent, they’re influencers. They know the power of the follow, being able to start a movement. THEy’re artists and activist. They come in on Day 1 expecting to have a voice.
Gen Alpha: they’re creators. THey’re online every single day. Their lives are content creation. Is that an opportunity or exploitation? That’s fe a longer speech. They’re going to have a huge impact as well.
So what do we want from our leaders?
Traditionalists- had a boss - they can yell at you’d dress you down, put you flight or fight. It’s how it was
Boomers - Manger, all about strategy, efficiency, whats best for the company
Gen X - only 44M, companies aren’t paying that much attention cause all these workaholics baby boomers. Tehy came in and started tlakign about the coach, the whole person. What’s the best to get out of you?
Millenials - baby boomer parents who had do-over kids or second wave family, these parents were all involved. They’re there to be mentored, cheered for, we’re a part of their life as a whole persona nd a whole sense of self.
Gen Z - assume mentorship and coaching, but also a guide on their side. They don’t want someone to tell you how it’s going to be done, they want to be involed in the conversation. They want to know how it’s going to be done from day one.
The real leadership is being able to ask the questions of the many, make them engaging and generative. From day one, week one, no matter where we are planning our meeting - we need to be asking the questions of everyone and bringing their voices into the conversations
Boomers dream of work/life balance
Hers desire work/life balance
Millennials demand work/life balance
- Gen Z know they deserve work/life balance.
We all have in common a desire to feel seen, heard, and appreciated.
SHA FACTOR: Seen heard appreciated in every meeting, conversation, and moment - so much to become not only a destination workplace, but also an incubator in what’s possible in a workplace.
Immense value out of this talk? The EmCEE says we need a reminder of how to interact with all generations.
How can I translate my message so my message lands with them?
And if this landed with you, please bring out your phone and give the feedback.
She put her book specially today for sale, only 99 cents. At the end jsut click it and then you’ll get a free gift that goes deeper into generational codes. Normally she only gives it to the executive teams but just for us, we get it.
I didn’t get it. I boycotted amazon 💁♀️. Bye 👋
What is the biggest emerging generational code that hasn’t been identified yet? How do we covercome that gap?
Neural modes?
The big trend list he expectation of millennial and genz to have neural fluency and undersatnding how to be self regulated
They’re expecting to feel psychologically safe at work
The seen heard appreciated piece
How do you measure that?
Give opportunities for voices to come in?
we do solution sprints, we do a shop survey, we look at the suggestions and we put together innovations teams and we do spirits so that people do that, but we have to do it in a way that they feel like it’s safe to do. So that p’s psychological safety.Biggest thing has been a nice to have now its table stakes
How about Ai?
It’s not as much his touch or high connect moments.
Now we need to go back to what we think people receives in schooling and homes, teach the high connect moments too peopel feel Seen heard appreciated - but for real
As a leader - at least once a month as 10 - what’s lighting you up? What’s exciting to them?
Then the second ten minutes, you guide them, reflect back what you heard, what you appreciate, what’s possible.
The last ten minutes are what the most dont’ do. That’s the future career mapping conversation. The resources inside our organization. Where our next piece can come from. If you sit down and have a conversation with the,, they’ll stay with you longer. You continue to incubate hte potential of your future and what they want from their leaders
The emcee says, I wish I had that
A lot of time people say, I didnt have that, so why should do that?
I was on a lift out to DC with an amazing except than he’s in charge of 12,000 people in his space.
He said he’s had to change more in this role than anything else.
This new code works for all, but we have to be willing to shift in it
High tech means high connect
The speaker says it’s’ good karma to leave a review on amazon.
Now they have another speaker (so, its kinda annoying cause they said it was the last speaker) but he’s also a president of a lot of this - and I’ve seen him present before - and he was so so nice sitting me down. He’s a fun and friendly guy. He’s got good energy.
As the president of this chapter. We are a two time elite chapter of all the chapters that exist. You have a resource and a friend in teh business. YOU’ve then to see 10 of our 105 speakers
So excited each of you are here today. Msost excited about our Emcee. Did she do a great job today? Because not only is she the emcee, but she’s the planner!
She’s, you know, not one to you (yet) she knows intimately what I’d like now to be a planner.
I want you all to remember we’re a volunteer organization. So in this morning, it’s your turn. Take out your phone and turn on your camera. This is for her… right? What I want to see is the highest number of all the high peopel.
Take this moment now and write her, tell her the things that she did great. You shoudl see the amountof planning.
I don’t think the emcee shoudl be the planner, first of all. It makes you too distracted to be a good listener to the people you’re interviewing. I noticed that about her - plan an emcee.
I also feel it’s so, like, “plastic” or strange to give literal feedback right there. But also useful! But also people probably won’t be fully honest. Idk? Just a little controversial and cutting-edge to me. But probably useful and smart. But, wild. You know? Societally, that you can just review the person who spoke to you right there, directly to them.
Notice these cue cards - they’re branded. Al these small details are the things that great Emcees do to make your meeting great. tHey’re the ones who bring energy in between sessions. Share what you loved.
Wer’e all aspiring to be better emcees and speakers. When you give us ideas, we want to know how we can make this better for you.
A bigger budget?
She said, how about a bigger budget for my wardrobe (why we do we always feel to buy new clothes? Just wear what you love). This dress she’s wearing isn’t the best for a stage. It’s so geometric. This happens, though. People get a budget for wardrobe and buy something new, then wear it and they don’t know how it looks (I assume since she wants a ‘bigger budget’ for wardrobe, she thinks her budget is too small which resulted in this? But… just go to goodwill/thrift stores, girl! Live a little - or wear your favorite stuff you never have an excuse for. You’re on stage. Know what you like).
Then again, I wore a WILD outfit this day. I really wanted to wear one of my dresses, but it is too short for this weather, so I put flowy pants under it -b ut then wore a nice jacket on top that was in the color palette. IT was a like risky and artistic. But I’m not over here asking for a wardrobe budget or presenting on stage - If I was, I’d be a bit more prim/proper - but 100% I think it’s fun to wear your own clothes and get creative.
He says he wants to tell her how proud he is of her, how much work he’s seen her do, when many would say “no”, she says “yes”. He knows he can give her any assignment, and she can do a good job with it. He’s proud to call her his colleague and friend. They hug.
- She says it’s been such a pleasure working with everyone. I’ve had a huge learning process, she says, and connected with t community. Here with the national chapter - inviting everyone to come and participate and partner across many professional associations.
Why shoudl people come and participate with us? If you’re in another industry and not a member, we’re going to help you be a better speaker and you can make it a business. It’s one of the most fun businesses you can ever have.
OKAY now I’m getting so hungry hahah.
They said everyone can come and talk to them at the tables, but I think I want to go get food - probably everyone thinks the same, most everyone. It’s like, you dont want to just say in this room instead of go wander around. Right?
I feel like this is going to be really empty I have nothing I want to say to anyone and I bet many people feel the same. So for those that do have something to ask, this is a great opportunity.
A woman at my table throws her phone down saying she’s going to kill someone, sarcastically. I think it’s one of her employees or a close person that she jsut got a text from.
She and I walk out around the same time and I hear her tell someone else that she has to go have a meeting now.
After that, I go visit the vendors.
Heading Home:
BTW - on my way home I first went to a movie at the best movie chain on earth, AMC. But then I hated the plot of the movie (I’ve felt that way about many movies lately - except Flow!! So I was relieved when it won an award lately. Feels like a new chapter of indie/wholesome art is coming). The movie title itself was stupid, about killing a unicorn. I saw it was a “comedy” which I haven’t seen listed in theaters for a while (lately there are NO comedies) and since it’s free/included in my membership, I always try to stop by movies whenever I have time just to check them out.
But then, I go watch the movie and it’s the stupidest plot and a terrible movie with no values or ethics - from the start. Just look it up. Also the girl character/’voice of reason’ is feeling weird feelings and guilty about it but all the adults are jsut telling her to ignore it!?!? Gimme a break!!!! LOL - what kind of movie plot is this? Rated R? Who’s enjoying this! Who is the audience? lol. Weird movie. I want a comedy - (but it’s why only like 3 other people were in the theater). So, then I walked out of that movie and headed towards the subway.
There I was interrupted by a busker. The busker played such a nice music, using his guitar as many different instruments all at once (you know how some guitar players can make their guitar also like a drum, and then hit the super high notes—- then start singing!! hahah) and so I stopped and listened to a few songs and gave him $5, in exchange for taking a pic + listening. It felt like a fair trade.
We talked a little and I thanked him for playing, I told him I’d stay for one more song then head to the subway. Inspired by that, he picked a song.
He picked “somewhere over the rainbow”. Instantly I started tearing up, surprising myself. And, when I walked away later, tears poured out. I did my best to wrap them up and remember the good things, and stay positive - snap back to happiness and gratitude (cause it was an incredible day) - but there was a lot to think about from that moment.
I like to see the surprises that life hands you. Like, “you pick” when you offer it to someone, what do they pick?
So I was curious what he’d pick to play - some song I’d know?
This is a song everyone knows, but then I started thinking of the lyrics and got so sad.Lately I see the sky literally turning white from planes and these weird white injections into the sky. These white lines - even when I was on the plane back from hawaii, the sky above me what sheer white and then clouds were below me. The sky didn’t used to look like this.
I felt it was very strange he played this song because if its literalness, “somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue” - how now, these days even on a sunny day, you can expect the skies to turn white. But maybe somewhere over the rainbow they’re blue again. WTF world are we suddenly living in? It’s like, we’re in a worse version of “somewhere over hte rainbow” these days.
It made me sad to hear this song and think of it literally, but also a bit hopeful, but then sad that “BLUE SKIES” are what i’m hopeful for.
I also had the realization that I was going to blog on this moment, as it was going on, so then the fact he brought this song into the conversation, and the blue skies, white skies conversation - which is still a little “hush hush” in our world, I felt him singing this song was so convenient for this conversation which I bring up constantly in my blog. So I felt emotional over that too, its irony and convenience.
Felt like the universe handing this pun/obvious problem to me.
In addition, I wondered what his reason for choosing this song is/was?
Is it traditionally a really happy song? What was his take on me that he’d pick this song, inspired by me? I just felt very moved by it all - and appreciative.
I was, lastly, I was thinking to myself during all of this, how appreciative I was of live music existing randomly.
And how I want more of it. There’s a charity I saw in downtwon seattle that funds retired musicians to play around the city. I want more of that. And more live music playing around the world, especially in the streets, out of the way, just a nice addition to the environment.
Overall Event Review and Ratings Further Elaborations:
Venue (4.5/5) - Yes! This was the perfect sized venue for the event. The rooms for the speeches had plenty of space and room to write. The rooms for the speeches were a littel awkward/big - and because so many people were just walking the floor, and the speeches cost a bit more to attend, so they weren’t as popular. But this location, The Seattle Convention Center, is so fantastic. Easy to get to by transit, amazing lighting, easy to get around. I love it!
Food (5/5) - Incredible food!! I was blown away by so many of these dishes. The presentations, flavor, freshness, etc. It was such a treat!!! You can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner - yes BLD, at this event and be so happy. Just snacking throughout your time there.
Speaker Content (5/5) - Everyone I talked to was interesting, many offered to partner (which was fun and fun, it’s fun to see how my business is developing). In addition, I just couldn’t get enough of the speeches (LITERALLY) cause there wasn’t enough time to do it alL!! I wish there were three days, one for me and my daughter, one for me on my own to talk to the vendors, and one more to hear the speakers. But what I did hear was fantastic. Such high quality for my time. I so badly wish I could go back and hear more! haha. I think I get a copy of the virtual versions… recorded, but still not the same as in person. I probably won’t even watch them! I love in-person learning hahaha.
Networking (3.75/5) - Well, a lot of it was ‘on me’ because I did a lot of networking at this event. I made it the goal to talk to almost every single table, with the mindset that maybe one day i’ll host events. So it doesn’t hurt to get connections. I ended up making a few connections, and a few to do business with - so that was sorta surprising. Usually, that doesn’t happen for me. hahaha. In addition, I ran into a few people I knew (and like) which also doesn’t happen. Cause I don’t know many people in this city, and I’m a little picky - hahaha. But I ran into some people I really like at this event, so I was surprised too. But, it’s a really cool niche group of people involved in event planning and event creating. So, we have similar personalities or interests or communitcation styles, I think. It’s easier to talk hahaha. Omg, as I ramble and lost all but “those” of you, right? right? My people. :)
Likeliness to Return (5/5) - duh!!! 100%. And I’m truly impressed with how great this year went. I bet across the board, everyone was. And I expect it to only get better next year!! Let’s pack the place hahaha. It was so fun.
Until next time, I wish you the motivation and success to search for opportunities around your area. Search and explore: Who is out there giving talks? There are new things happening all of the time.
Find relatable or interesting topics you like and check them out! Maybe even something hosted at a cool venue, if there’s no other reason to go. Let’s see what you can learn and discover not too far from home. 😊
