Fireside 2018 ??

Wow! I cannot believe its already been over a month since I returned from Fireside weekend (Sept 06-09)!!! Being my 4th Fireside I wanted to take time to share why this event was the best to date and why I'm hooked!!  

This year really summarized what it is to be a startup! Here are 5 brief elements that made my Fireside memorable!

1. Value: this year Fireside increased the venue from 2 to 3 nights. Amazing what a difference of adding in one more day helped balance out all the great things to do and see! The scheduling was more accommodating to visit more talks, join more conversations and connect with so many more amazing people at Fireside.

2. People: with 450+ attendees you would think this would be a crazy mayhem event! No way it was so nicely balanced with the continuous changes to the schedule. This year brought a whole new set of entrepreneurs, engagers, huggers, businesses, speakers, staff, media, politicians, investors and excited entrepreneurs talking and networking! The weather was amazing and seemed to be a great ease over everyone to be there and enjoy themselves like no other year! Thoroughly enjoyed the speakers and the brilliant insights and stories from Jordan and Jason to speak of a few! Awesome. 

3. Deep roots: I have been hearing so much lately that in order to make a connection you need to be vulnerable and share your true downside and screwups to make true connections! Perhaps give people a venue to speak, ask questions and feel casually comfortable around peers and you can make some long lasting contacts and new friendships. Fireside was able to bring this with the many speakers and events that tied people into many conversations!  

4. Theme: there have been many themes delivered over the years that I’m still trying to remember them all. This year’s theme felt a lot about giving back to a community that works hard to fit in. Everyone there was trying to help others find that edge to get just a little further ahead, or find some acknowledgment, connection!! It wasn't all about the buzzwords of the year but more of throwing out some great value and hoping it stuck and resonated with the people of Fireside. It really did work!  

5. Incumbents: the drivers behind Fireside really embodied the true value of the startup community by building a great place for startups to unwind, exchange knowledge and speak with others about the great things they were up to... Their drive and passion surpassed that of any other year... Building an amazing community of entrepreneurs that will all want to come back! 

I have had the privilege of not only working with the guys, becoming friends with them over the years but also an advocate of their hard work and efforts they have put into by building a truly safe space for entrepreneurs to engage, share and grow together. When you build something from the heart and use your life experience (many years in the camp) you can bring back so much value to others you almost feel like you could plan and build these events for all groups of good people! 

To summarize, my experience was elevated and over the top with not only a few points above but to the kindness and support of the people at Camp Walden. The space is beautiful, fun, engaging and most of a special spot for not only kids in camp but a great place for entrepreneurs to unwind, meet some great people, sleep under the stars, swim in fresh water and eat healthy meals. I found myself around of a lot of people who care, love and share their passions to grow and build.

One kick-ass community of startups! Thank you to everyone that made my experience this year amazing but most importantly that made everyone else’s amazing! Keep up the awesome efforts guys we will mark this on our calendar to never miss! The true spirit of giving back shown through and I’m proud to be part of a growing caring ecosystem. A special thanks to Steven and Daniel for bringing everyone together and making it all happen throughout the years! Looking forward to the next one!

5 unique memories...

Amazing trails to run and hike

Super star... Look up after 9pm :)

Big fires make for big dreams... S'mores anyone! 

Docks and swimming! Can you smell a sneeze? 

Big group gatherings... Keynotes and dinners! 

See you all next year at Fireside 2019!