I will admit it: I am nervous. I am not nervous for the speaking component — thankfully that is not an issue that typically plagues me. But I so want the attendees to love their experience!
Some of that I have control over: we have some amazing swag, and I designed a workbook/programming that I think will be fun, restorative, and useful. BUT . . . you just never know! Will the group gel? Will conversation flow? Will people get tired of planning (I HOPE NOT)?
As I am nervous, I am also kind of . . . amazed and proud that everything worked out! This was a long (multi-month) project with many moving parts. The absolute best thing I did was to hire a coordinator; she has been the main interface with the hotel and has been so helpful to hash out details, figure out time-sensitive milestones, etc. AND, she will be on site! I would be about 100x more anxious if she wasn’t going to be there!
In today’s honor, here are some fun facts about BLP Live!
1- We have a group of 17 registrants (was 18, but one had a family emergency and we will miss her!). This is right in the sweet spot of what I was hoping for.
2- People are coming from everywhere! NY, Seattle, Chicago, Kansas, California, Dallas, Atlanta, Utah! I think only 4 Floridians, including me! I am FLOORED and so excited to be bringing together people from so many places!
3- We have had fun on the pre-trip WhatsApp chatting about plane reads, planners, and more
4- I am secretly (or not so secretly) hoping to do some of my own 2024 planning while on this adventure
5- It was not a very lucrative business venture (ummm hotel space and hotel food are EXPENSIVE) but I could care less because it will be a ton of fun
6- I regret not figuring out how to incorporate karaoke. Maybe next time.
7- I have visited the NHC website every single day for the past 2 weeks because it is still hurricane season. THANKFULLY as of now we remain in the clear so I think all is well on that front. It is 70s and breezy and I will take it.
8- I am really excited about the food options. Very much hope they are as good as they sound on the catering menu!
9- Josh and the kids might crash the dinner on the second night, if he has time. I guess I have ruined the surprise, but it also may not be feasible – Friday isn’t always an early day for him, work-wise.
10- I feel like I designed the retreat I would have wanted to attend. I really hope that resonates with everyone there!
I have no idea if this retreat will begin a new tradition or if it will be a standalone event; I suppose that will depend on feedback and how it feels! I do wonder if January might be an even better time to hold BLP Live — it’s out of hurricane season, Northerners are more sick of winter, and maybe (?) there are fewer school and work pressures. Will be something to consider going forward.
14 Comments
Even if this is a one and done, I think it’s helped me realize I need to make a planning retreat part of my yearly ritual. Excited to immerse myself this week in goal planning 🙂 I already got a head start last night and being away from family interruptions is making this flow so much better than years past.
YAYYYY! and I’m so excited to connect in person! PS save some planning for the sessions, ha!!!!
good luck! i am so sad to miss it.
I am so excited to spend some time away from the pressured of everyday life to make a vision f04 2024 (posted from the plane!)!!!
YESSSS!!! An in-the-air comment, I love it 🙂
I’m curious how you went about finding your conference coordinator? Did you place an ad, have a referral? I do this type of work, so just curious. I hope you have a wonderful experience! Sounds like it will be great 🙂
I put out a call on the podcast and got several email applicants!!
I am so excited for this event!! Posted from the Brightline train on my way down from Orlando 🙂
How cool! I’m also in Orlando and am excited about the new Brightline service.
I’m sure it is going to be a great event! Hope everyone has the best time and that you do it again next year. I was hoping to join but it just wasn’t in the cards this year w/ a 2 year old and a 4 year old at home.
Good luck!!!! I bit it will be a blast 🙂
Longtime reader, (never?) commenter. Just wanted to say I am so impressed by your ability to dream something up and make it happen. In real life! With real participants. I’ve enjoyed watching as you’ve transitioned from full time physician to part time creative. It’s so refreshing to see that others are continually reinventing themselves and tweaking their lives to live them in the most authentic ways. Cheers to you!
Good luck!!!! This is so cool – can’t wait to hear how it all goes!!
Catching up on the blog now. Was such a great event!!