By MaryEllen Tribby

This past week, I attended the Americans Writers and Artist Institute’s annual Bootcamp.

Now, this was not the first time I have attended this event. In fact, I had the privilege of being a featured speaker several times in past years.

You see AWAI was a sister company to Early To Rise. And, during my tenure at ETR, I was at this event every year, regardless if I was speaking or not, because it always proved to be exhilarating.

But, this year had special meaning. You see, this event is held in my own backyard – in South Florida. And last year, I was not able to attend since we were living in Texas and my schedule simply did not permit. I also, unfortunately, lost touch with some of the very special people who run this wonderful event and AWAI as well.

Being able to see and speak with Denise Ford and Katie Yeakle was lovely. Hanging out with Brain Kurtz and dining with my ole’ pal Clayton Makepeace was just incredible. Plus, spending time with the attendees, folks who are taking massive action to improve their skills and better their future, was stimulating.

Putting on events is a great idea for most companies. And, they are certainly worth attending as a customer. Here is my top ten list on what I love about events and why you should attend one at least once a year:

The Top Ten Things I Love About Events

10) They make you examine where you are in your own career.

9) You mingle with your competitors, allowing you to become more knowledgeable about your industry and niche.

8) You meet valuable new business partners. This includes any one from vendors to joint venture partners.

7) They showcase your own customer base. If you are attending a competitor’s event, you get to see what your customers are responding to. You also get to see what sessions are best attended, hence helping you with product development ideas and marketing strategies.

6) You learn valuable strategies and tactics for your own business. Most events that are worth going to, have speakers that are innovators in their fields. This means you get learn what’s hot and working right now.

5) You re-kindle past relationships. We are all busy. And unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose touch with people who have had a positive impact on our business and personal lives. When you share a moment at an event where you have learned together, it makes the bond between you so much stronger.

4) You make connections related to your personal goals. Do you want to start speaking or write a book? Chances are extremely good that you will meet someone who can either help you out or knows the person who can.

3) Every once in a while you get to meet, or even have dinner, with a legend. I was lucky enough to meet Cal Ripken, Jr. at one event and have dinner with Steve Wozniak at another.

2) You meet lifelong friends! I have met so many of my dearest friends and colleagues at events. Folks like Ryan Lee, Bill Glazer, Bob Bly, Joe Polish, Marie Forleo – I speak to all these folks on a regular basis and am blessed to do so.

1) When done properly, your attendees become your best customers, customers for life!

So now, I want to hear from you.

Why?

Well, full disclosure here, I am thinking about putting on the first ever Working Moms Only event.

But here’s the deal… Events are a massive amount of work to produce. I have orchestrated plenty in the past. And, if I am going to do this, I want it to be spectacular.

So, before I devote a tremendous amount of resources, I need your help.

Please take this short survey, right here, right now.

It will take you all of 20 seconds, but be much appreciated.

I’ll keep you posted.