Reflections on an Unforgettable 2024 Innovation and Growth Conference - Cheers to 10 Years

Nestled in the heart of Miami's vibrant landscape, the Marseilles Beachfront Hotel on 1741 Collins Avenue served as the perfect backdrop for the recent Apprentice Worldwide Innovation and Growth Conference and Executive Retreat. This three-day event was a gathering of minds, a celebration of professional development, and an incubator of future collaborations.

The conference began on Friday afternoon on a high note with distinctly tailored social activities. Our Women Leaders convened at Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. , enjoying a spirited evening that offered not just cocktails but a chance to forge meaningful connections. Meanwhile, our Men’s Group gathered at Espanola Cigar Bar & Lounge , where the ambiance facilitated relaxed conversations amidst the aroma of fine cigars. These initial gatherings set the stage for a communal dinner at the The Cheesecake Factory Bakery on Lincoln Road, where lively discussions continued well into the evening.

As the sun rose on the second day, the conference transitioned into a series of meticulously planned panels. Our Founder Hernan Mayol set the stage by sharing his strategies for building meaning connections through networking and doing an inventory of skills sets to be of service to others. This was followed by Sarah Gillet Couto, M.A. Leadership, PCC which discussed her thoughts on understanding your strengths to build a meaningful future.

Our Expanding our Global Network Panel led by Adebayo Comlan Djanman who shared his journey from Nigeria to the US to pursue his dream and how Apprentice Worldwide made an impact in this. Michael Babbitt our Head of North America discussed how engaging people locally can result in opportunities being uncovered for growth. Additionally, Miguel Cohn from the Dominican Republic, Martin Schulz from Argentina, and Maria Isabel Tapia from Bolivia shared their thoughts on how reaching out to others creates bonds that will last a lifetime.

Our Talent Management Panel brought Martin Schulz and Richard Lopez to discuss what are the current skill sets to be noticed and a great overview of the workforce requirements as well as the job market.

The A.I. Masterclass was led by the insightful Mo Hasan delved into how artificial intelligence will reshape industries and how to leverage these tools for success.

Our follow up Technology session led by Guillermo Benites and Ignacio Riveira unpacked the profound impact of automation and emerging technologies as an added surprise Kyler Hevia Charles Alvarez and Cristian Benavides shared their own experienced working in tech and how their Mentors have had an impact in their careers. Afterwards, Javier Mayol his incredible 20 year career in the Film and Entertainment business, while young filmmakers Arturo G. and Alexander J. Proctor shared how they are promoting their projects and making an impact.

In our Marketing panel with Alejandra Pacheco, MBA and Stephanie Ferreiro offered a deep dive into the strategies that define successful digital marketing today. Later on, Michael Babbitt Carrie Moore Shalako Wiener and Amber Tarrac, CEcD, ACE provided insights into securing funding from different types of businesses from Start-ups and Entrepreneurs who run small businesses to Medium and Large Companies looking for Capital, while Luis Izquierdo , Thomas (Tom) Avazian and Mo Hasan spoke about managing finances and investment strategies in an ever-evolving economic landscape.

Great strategies were robustly discussed by Michelle Bryan and Vin O. who came from Texas and provided actionable advice on opportunities to invest in Real Estate through partial ownership for both long and short term rentals, while Nalisa Saati and Andy Newton, MBA discussed the Miami market and opportunities they see to sell and invest. Our Entrepreneur Panel, Amber Tarrac, CEcD, ACE Nancy Arroyo, MBA-MIB and Maria Stocking gave us a great insights on how to pivot into business ownership part-time or full time. We finished the panels with our lawyers Senen Garcia and Guillermo Roca discussing the importance of looking at documentation carefully before doing business. Great tips for beginners and veterans alike.

It was time for Networking where our Execs and YoungPros brushed up their newly acquired knowledge and skills at our reception followed by a fabulous celebration dinner at Fogo de Ch?o in Miami Beach.

After a healthy start with a 5K and Yoga by the Beach, the conference’s final day shifted to a more reflective and personal development focus, with sessions nestled in the tranquility of the hotel’s cabanas. Paola Lombardi / Master Coach Corporativa. gave a Leadership and Coaching session offered tools for effective leadership, while Carrie Moore inspired attendees to align their careers with their life purposes in her Living Your Purpose talk. Finally Charles C. Scott II closed the conference by sharing the Importance of having the right Mindset to Lead.

We owe a profound debt of gratitude to all the speakers whose expertise and enthusiasm were instrumental in the conference's success. Additionally, our sponsors' generous support was crucial in transforming this vision into a reality.

Special thanks to Intupower Goba Capital UDT Michael Babbitt Adrienne Babbitt Carrie Moore Designstepz LLC ECO Planet Earth Corp Florida International University - College of Business Robinson Reyes-Pena, Ph.D. Dr. Sungu Armagan Kroum Dimitrov Michel Rodriguez Mathew (Matt) Kaplan Maria Stocking kandyflip.art Andrea Orioli Martin Arias Christopher Ferreiro Ayla Rius Gregory D. Groselj Gulic Karla Antúnez, MSF Joyce Ramirez, PhD, MS Mariano Gutierrez Shelby L. Anna Shimova Patricia M Alfonso Max Fanini Monica Onisick Carlos Harding

Lastly, a heartfelt THANK YOU to our dedicated volunteers, whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensured everything ran seamlessly. Their commitment was the backbone of the conference's success. Kudos to Micaela Cottrell Ibrahima MOUNKORO Valeria Rios Ignacio Garcia Bianca Lajara Otto Neustadtl Justin Rundle Ydalmis Carrasco, MBA for their contributions behind the scenes. We missed you!

As we close this chapter, the insights and connections fostered at the Apprentice Worldwide Conference promise to catalyze new ventures and personal growth. We look forward to seeing how these seeds of knowledge and collaboration will flourish in the years to come. CHEERS TO 10 MORE YEARS!!!

Special Mention: We also want to Congratulate eMerge Americas for their 10 years as well. We are grateful for their support throughout the years, especially Melissa Medina who has been an inspiration. Sharing birthdays is FUN, but seeing others impacted by the work we do collectively for this community and beyond is truly REMARKABLE!!!