Eric Klinenberg’s New Book 2020: One City, Seven People, and the Year Everything Changed, made me think deeply about where I was Four Years Ago on same date 2020? Remember that day? Where were you the day the world shut down? I’ll never forget… I had meetings across the USA the week before, with Betty Hines, W.E.W. Founder and CEO (she/her) WPO Platinum III Chair at the Women Elevating Women Conference, with Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) to finalize their involvement with EXCELerate2020, and then it was Vital Voices Global Partnership where I was next going to join the reception at the JF Kennedy Center, where I got the news…. CANCELLED! BLACK OUT! Panic set in! What was I going to do?

The impact of the pandemic on both individuals and society prompts a significant moment of reflection. It begs the question: what transformations have we experienced, both personally and collectively? Echoing Klinberger’s observation, it’s evident that technology emerged as a victor, experiencing exponential monetization—consider the rapid rise of platforms like Zoom! However, it appears that technology still has somehow held us back from the biggest thing humans need – IN PERSON CONNECTION.

The pandemic taught me the value of in person meetups, a handshake, a hug, and face to face smile. That was all stripped away from us 4 years ago, and now we have the opportunity to be together again, and many still hesitate. WHY? We craved for connection when it was taken away, and now that we have it back, it’s time to regroup!

For all the techies that want to stay on screen, let me remind you of the power of in-person and powerful tips that I seen Laural Carr and Heather Culbert spoke of at the International Women’s Forum (IWF) gathering in Ottawa for #internationalwomensday2024:

  • What will you say to be remembered? (tell your story)
  • How will you conduct yourself? (be present, meet someone new)
  • How will others experience you? (start with asking them a question)

Just think…. a decision you make TODAY could forever change you and your business TOMORROW! I’d like to connect with you again.

Please join me at the #EXCELerate2024 Conference. www.EXCELerate2024.com

For the month of March invite a non-member friend, customer, supplier, or any business associate from your NETWORK to both receive a 20% discount on full conference packages at EXCELerate2024.
Use Code: FRIEND20

Still not sure?

Here’s 6 Reasons why you should attend #EXCELerate2024 and bring a friend:

  1. Comfort. If you’re planning on flying to Vancouver or staying on your own, why not have a friend with you? Feel more at ease and excited to attend with the comfort and support of a friend.
  2. Presenting Each Other. Present your work to others by introducing each other. Talk about what you do with someone who knows you and your business well. This will help break the ice to connect with new people during that first conversation. Make a friendly connection faster with a friend!
  3. Collaboration. Collaborate and build your network together. There’s an incredible amount of sharing, learning and leveraging that can happen for you both. Find ways to collaborate together with other likeminded individuals.
  4. Inspiration. Have you had the chance to attend an event or conference with a friend or colleague before? You may find that new stories and strategies come up when you are both attending the same events. You and your friend will also pick up different ideas and experiences when you are attending workshops. Inspire each other beyond the conference sessions.
  5. Regaining Focus. We all need to re-focus from time to time. In a setting where you and your friend can experience business growth and collaboration together, you will be able to support each other in regaining your business focus and growth.
  6. Sharing. If you and your friend, colleague or business associate are representing for those who cannot attend, bringing something back to share will encourage you both to be present and engaged during the conference. Keep each other motivated and never miss a beat!

A conference can be just the inspiration you and your friend need. The passion speakers and other delegates have for their business will be something to keep you and your friend inspired the whole way through.

For the full program and speakers, visit: www.EXCELerate2024.com