I’m back from the Big Omaha conference and wanted to share a few thoughts. First – this is a world-class event. I’m very impressed with what Jeff Slobotski and Dusty Davidson (and all involved) have accomplished in just a few short years through hard work, humility and sheer force of will. Congrats to them, and to the city of Omaha.
You don’t attend this conference to learn, and it’s not really an “educational track” kind of event to begin with. You attend because you want to be inspired to accomplish bigger, better things in work and in life. We all need this from time to time – whether you’re working in a cubicle or you’re a couple of years into your own endeavors. We fall into ruts. Big Omaha brings in (and connects you with) the people who give you a swift kick in the ass.
I met Melody McCloskey, who founded and bootstrapped the brilliant, niche web service StyleSeat. Also briefly chatted with Matt Mullenweg, who needs no introduction – to WordPress fans, at least. It’s always a delight to see Gary Vaynerchuk in action on stage. This is probably the 16th time I’ve seen him talk and it never, ever gets old.
I knew bits and pieces of the charity: water story going in, but not the full details. I loved hearing Scott Harrison‘s story of building a charity with a business mentality, and the importance he places on branding and aesthetic (which is typically lacking in the non-profit space). Also great: Dennis Crowley‘s career path and his thoughts on being acquired: “I would rather run Foursquare into the ground than take a company-ending deal.”
Attend in 2011. Especially if you’re suffering from of “conference fatigue.” Big Omaha is efficient, compact, affordable and every moment is high-quality.
Were you there this year? What are your thoughts on the conference? Who did you most enjoying meeting and/or getting to see speak?
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