Why You Should Create Your Own Conference

This past weekend I met with my friends Steve & Jody Berkey and Mark Burch for what we called a mastermind meeting. We ate together, played together and talked together for two-plus days and had a great time.

We had hard discussions about where our businesses are and where we want them to go. And just two days later, all of us have made changes that have the potential to make a dramatic difference in our lives in the very near future.

I love attending business conferences and training events because I love learning and sharing what I’ve learned with people. I am a better coach and my business is stronger because of it.

But going to a conference can be expensive. I’ve spent thousands of dollars over the past few years traveling all over the country for great events. The registration fees are generally worth it, but travel, food, and lodging costs can easily double your investment. And they never seem to fit perfectly into my schedule, forcing me to sacrifice time doing something else I want or need to do.

Now I still want you to go to some events! I’m speaking at some and will one day host my own. But if that’s not an option, try creating your own.

Here’s what you need:

• Location – Find a central location that isn’t expensive. If someone can host it in their home, great! Just limit distractions so you can concentrate when doing the serious work. Other options include a hotel conference room, a borrowed room at your church, a meeting room at a library, etc.
• Participants – Getting the right people is more important than the location. They need to be real, be able to add value to discussions, and be willing to listen to as well as give advice.
• Date – Consider a holiday weekend, which gives you more time to meet by extending any travel time associated with pulling everyone together.
• Agenda – Map out the times you’ll be working and define how the group will interact (presentation with feedback, overview with Q&A, etc.). Put some time to be social and have fun, especially if non-participating family members will be there. Remember to be flexible to changes, but have some kind of structure or you may do more goofing off than working.

It isn’t complicated and it isn’t expensive. Sure, there may not be a superstar speaker and you won’t get a lot of swag, but you’ll have some time to focus on your goals (business or life or both!). And beyond that, you’ll have the opportunity to create lifelong connections with likeminded people.

Don’t wait for someone to host an event you want to attend. Host it yourself and invite people you already know (or if you only know them online, have what Jody calls a “stranger danger” meetup!). Take action and you’ll be better because of it.

Have you ever done something like this? Any other tips or advice to encourage people to do it? Any questions if you want to?