Starlight Welcome Reception – 10/23/2018

The Starlight Welcome Reception was a fun event! Conference attendees mingled and enjoyed hot appetizers, dessert and drinks while a “Rat Pack” Vegas crooner entertained us with lounge music. His playlist was wonderful. I glanced over and saw a few couples dancing to the music.  I met attendees from Atlanta, Burlington, San Jose, Utah, South Carolina, Canada and more.

The round room became packed as conference attendees reconnected and met new friends, eventually spilling in groups to the outdoor patio with amazing vistas of the gathering twilight. Lots of lounging areas and conversation spaces made it enjoyable and fun.

Joan Burge met so many attendees, moving from table to table to greet everyone and personally welcome them to the conference. Many conference speakers were also in attendance (Debbie Gross, Lisa Olsen!) and we all enjoyed spending time with them. They are funny, real, transparent and so real and approachable.

The tone of the conference was definitely set as people stayed, laughed and talked. I met many attendees who were first-time attendees and also traveling solo.  Some had heard about ODI through the Monday Motivators and monthly webinars, while others said they’d read Joan’s books (and brought them to be autographed).

It was hard to tear ourselves away from the reception, but it was finally time to say “see you at the conference” and prepare for the next full day.

The Starlight Welcome Reception is not to be missed! Come as you are, meet new friends and greet Joan and other speakers. It sets the tone by grounding you, preparing and focusing your mind for learning.

I can’t wait for tomorrow! Sneak peek: Joan’s trademark annual team building session in the morning and a choice of four dynamic learning labs in the afternoon. Yay!

Your Reporter in the Field