I have always considered myself a lucky person and I learned early that the network and people you surround yourself with guide and support your successes. I have been lucky enough to find an incredible network very early in my career. Three years into my career I attended a conference that changed my life. People Report and Black Box Intelligence Best Practices Conference changed the way I thought about my professional and personal relationships, about business, and about my career. I came home from Dallas in June of 2009 with an amendment to my employee contract, “Sarah is required to attend all People Report conferences”. No joke.
Next week, will be the 3rd annual Summer Brand Camp. This is not your typical conference, and trust me, you’ve never experienced a conference like this. I could go on for days about all the reasons I am looking forward to it but for now, I’ll give you my top 5.
#5 The People! The folks at these conferences are some of the most intelligent, inspirational, warm and friendly people I’ve met, ever. I am proud to say the strong network I have built has an incredibly strong foundation in experiences with People Report & BBI. They have a passion and enthusiasm for making this industry a better place. I always leave Dallas with a renewed sense of passion and motivation for my professional and personal life. Or my “profersonal life” as Jason Seiden would say, yes?
#4 The Content: Check out the agenda, it speaks for itself! Talk about a line up of smart, savvy inspirational folks. If you are looking for innovative ideas, a fresh twist or simply a chance to get away from the day to day and learn something new this line up won’t let you down.
#3 The 2nd Annual Talent Glee Idol Gong Competition – I’m not even a Glee or Idol fan and I’m excited for this. After last year’s antics, this is bound to be talk of the conference. Chubby bunny anyone?
#2 Camp Service Project at Bryans House – We get to spend Wednesday morning with the Bryan’s House community. I love that People Report & BBI incorporate a service project into each of their conferences. As restaurant folks, we’re busy and sometimes it’s hard to find the time to give back. This not only allows us to do that but for me, has really allowed me to reflect on the truly important things in life as well as nurture and grow relationships with the other conference attendees; which let’s face it, are some pretty rad individuals. Last year I spent my time in one of the bunk-houses at Jonathan’s Place with about ten children playing games and on the playground outside. To see their eyes light up when we came made the cleaning go by in an instant; and I’d like to add that I’ve never had so much fun cleaning bathrooms.
And the number one reason I am looking forward to attending Summer Brand Camp is……
#1 It Will Be My First Conference as a People Report & Black Box Intelligence Team Member – Yes, you read that right! I am honored and beyond excited to be joining the People Report/Black Box Intelligence team as their Director of Marketing. I am trading my Napa Valley and sandy beaches for a pair of cowboy boots and a lasso as I prepare for a move from California to the “Big D” in July! I’d like to go on record and state that I will not ever become a Cowboys fan but in all seriousness, I couldn’t imagine or ask for a better place or team to open the next chapter with. I remember a quote from that infamous 2009 Best Practices conference, from Roy Spence who said “If you aren’t in the business of improving people’s lives, you won’t be in business”. Joni, Wally and their entire staff have improved my life through their wisdom, guidance and support over the last few years. I am blessed and honored to be joining such an incredible team.
See you in Dallas!
Oh and by the way – you can find me tweeting @TexiCaliGal
