Beyond the valuable information and learning opportunities the Summit provided, the social climate of this event is another area in which it stands out. We've all attended the workshops or conferences where ego stands out more than education, and the atmosphere sparks more competition than a sense of community - this isn't like that. I am somewhat of an introvert and often prefer to hide behind my camera at events, letting imposter syndrome get in the way of making connections. The WP CEO Summit offered countless opportunities to foster natural, meaningful connections with industry peers in meaningful, real ways. The speakers truly led from example, and were warm, vulnerable, and REAL with attendees, taking the time to get to know us, pour into our businesses, sit and chat with us at lunches and dinners and late night cocktails - they opened up about their own struggles, the lessons they learned along the way, and encouraged and uplifted the attendees with their contagiously optimistic CEO mindset. I left feeling like I was a valued member of a wedding community who no longer had to go it alone - I had like-minded friends both near and far, and a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the wedding industry community I have never experienced anywhere else.
Cannot say enough amazing things Brandee Gaar and the community she has fostered. This past week I spent with dozens of other wedding pros from all over the country learning, listening and taking it all in. Making some big (scary) moves. Hearing from industry experts I've looked up to for years, and soaking in all of their encouragement.
If 5 years down the road someone ever asks me "do you remember where you were when it all changed"...it will no doubt be here.
So here's to late night chats, lots of wine, making new friends and leveling up!
Woah, what a life-giving time. This may be the first time I’ve walked away from an industry conference and physically missed my peers and educators. It feels like I moved away from all my best friends or something I think at a lot of educational and networking events, walls go up. You want to look successful, you want to hold your own, you want to be a contender in the mad rush to make connections.
This was different We were asked to throw all of that nonsense in the trash And we did. This week was packed with learning from leaders who care. Like, really care. They stayed in the room with you. They remained available to chat at any time. They showed vulnerability and attended the classes that weren’t their own with eager curiosity—they didn’t pretend to know everything. They stayed out after hours when they didn’t have to, just to connect with each other and the attendees
And those attendees…let me tell you The egos were dismissed. Everyone was honest about their goals and their struggles.
The summit set such a pure tone of safety. There was not a drop of judgement in this place. Friendships were formed and you know what I freaking loved? There was no fake networking. It was replaced entirely with vulnerability and genuinely helping each other. We set the hierarchy and the gatekeeping on fire
WPCEO friends, I miss you all already. So much 