Several months ago this conference was only a thought in the imaginative mind of Samantha Hampton owner of Creative Community Promotions.  She wanted to be part of helping the community of businesses, large and small, network, be inspired, get connected, and share their trade skills, products and knowledge. The ‘Survive and Thrive Conference’  began its long tireless journey from thought to the big successful day.  Everyone is unique and every business is unique. We can always learn from each other.

Each one of the presenters had their own skills to share in the workshops during the day. Anxiously waiting to the day, I arrived early to set up the projector for the PowerPoint presentation.  My presentation was on (LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION)   Being a ‘Luddite’ when it comes to new technology wanted to ensure a smooth day without any glitches. Yet things rarely work out when we make great plans. Thankfully there was support staff, Jacob, for the conference who helped folks set up the projectors, organize rooms, answer questions and my husband who drove three times back and forth from home with items  I needed. An extension cord, my portable podium, and his own laptop. For someone who likes to be prepared this was stressful. For me giving my clients, those in attendance the best of me is important.

stay stressed or remain calm and carry on with or without my PowerPoint slides. The idea was to have fun. Can I have fun without my slides? Yes.  It can be thrilling these types of challenges if we have the right mindset. So much of life’s difficulty and stress depends on our attitude. I work on unexpected pivoting every day. You just never know what can happen. In my mind, it was a success. Sharing in the workshops and break-out sessions a tremendous opportunity to learn and also listen to others on their own personal business journey. It is important to share my own struggle story so that people can accept things we cannot change and learn to positively pivot in all aspects of life.  We really have a choice.  I had a fun, fun time!

A well-organized event with introductions by  Samantha Hampton, a drumming session, and greetings by Mayor Greenberg.

An absolutely fantastic day, with excellent workshops on various topics from self-empowerment, leadership communication,  marketing, getting unstuck, digital skills, and other business and personal strategies.

As a presenter thoroughly felt honoured to be part of the event. Understanding about other people in business dealing with the craziness, how they are coping, the good and bad of Covid because learning, trying new ideas, and getting out of our comfort zone is lifelong.

Excellent dinner and opportunity for networking with everyone. Lakeview Hotel provided a fantastic dinner and dessert.  To top off the incredible day, everyone was inspired by Keynote speaker Andrew Buerger.

 

He made the long journey from Baltimore Maryland and shared his journey from pain to empowerment through family illness raising thousands of dollars with mountain climbing (Jodi’s Climb for Hope)for Breast Cancer and MS. He wrote the best selling book, ‘Carrying a Flag from Pain to Passion’, created a successful nutrition business

”Taking the lessons at 10,000 feet mountain climbing to use in my life at sea level”

“ Everyone has their own struggles. All of us can survive all challenges when we have a big enough ‘why’. “

A truly inspiring speaker encourages us to know that we can handle all of life’s setbacks and sometimes those are the greatest gifts.

for her tireless work getting this conference from an idea to a successful ending. Thank you to her team for a truly fantastic day helping set things up. I know Jacob was helpful in setting up projectors.(lot of fun with technology)

I am sure everyone in attendance is waking up today inspired, educated and positive, hopeful about themselves and their business.

Looking forward to next year’s Survive Thrive conference 2023. Embrace your life, believe in yourself as you try new things in life, and trust you can handle those times we need to pivot, with a new comfort zone.