This is why we gather
JoAnn Garbin
Innovation @ Microsoft | Author | Partner | Creating the Regenerative Future
Yesterday, John Westworth and I caught up about Energy Disruptors: United 2024, a conference he attended this week in Calgary (where he also helped host a Youth Hackathon). You could practically see the energy radiating from him (check his feed for highlights!). His excitement got me reflecting on RALLY 2024, which I attended in August with Taryn Kutches and my friends from Twisthink .
One interaction that really stands out is meeting David Schleppenbach and his team at Tactile Engineering . These folks developed an incredible device that enables people with visual impairments to use touch screens—it even works with Minecraft ! How cool is that?
Here’s where the magic of in-person events really hit home for me:
1. 80% of success is showing up (and being ready): Douglas Curry , David's board member, earned his stripes that day. He was the one who spotted us, struck up a conversation, and then—wait for it—caught us in the hallway later, making sure we stayed engaged while David sprinted over with the demo in hand. We were intrigued before, but once we actually held that device? Game over. We were all in. That conversation led to me recommending they apply to Microsoft for Startups, and guess what? They did—and got accepted.
2. Getting things rolling with a company like Microsoft: Let’s be real—at Microsoft, no single person can change your world (unless maybe you’re talking to Satya). But we can connect you to someone who might know someone who can. And if you're persistent enough, that network effect starts working in your favor. That's exactly what we did post-event—David and Doug followed up and I reached out to a few friends. While nothing's guaranteed, one of my connections is interested, and that’s how the snowball starts to form.
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None of this would have happened if it weren’t for the RALLY team bringing us together. It just goes to show—the real value of these events is created outside the main event. The ROI comes from the relationships formed, the doors opened, and the opportunities that follow. In this case, it’s led to meaningful connections, a potential collaboration, and access to resources.
I'd say that was time and effort well spent!
#networking #collaboration #innovation #startups #Microsoft #MicrosoftforStartups #RALLY2024 #TechForGood Lauren Laurie Brad Natelborg TROY BYRD Chris Hare
Helping people realise their potential
5 个月One of the 3 pillars I try and focus on for people here in Vancouver is their network. Its so important for their career and getting things done.
CEO at Tactile Solutions, Inc.
5 个月Extremely well said! We had a number of tremendous meetings at Rally - all outside of the scheduled events. Changing the world isn’t possible without all of us coming together first - and events of this nature are how, in this modern age, we can still connect in meaningful ways.