Find Your People

By Madeline Pratt

There is this thing that happens with my kids when I travel:  Once I’m home, they are completely out of sorts for the equivalent amount of days as I was away. Like, if they were away with grandma for three days, it’s going to take at least three days to get back in a regular bedtime routine and not ask for cookies for breakfast.

I totally get it. I feel the same exact way after I return from conferences. After 72 hours straight of talking, networking, and partying, I need at least three days to recover. I barely even drink at events, but the emotional hangover does me in every single time.

I've been to enough conferences to know that these moments are orchestrated. Happy hours lead to looser people which leads to more prosperous networking. Mainstage moments and big-name stars leads to enough excitement to keep people busy long after the low-budget caffeine wears off. 

And that’s just if you’re an attendee. If you're a vendor, add in hauling swag, setting up the booth, and explaining your product to people until your voice gives out. It's no wonder we need time to recover. The highs and lows of it all are the perfect storm for adrenal fatigue. Sometimes in the midst of it, the introvert in me is wondering why we do it.

Then I blink and it's over. It's the last day and I'm packing my bags, about to head to the airport. I'm sitting in a cafe next to the Fairmont reminiscing with folks about years past and the memories we've barely finished making. I collect my bags, share one last round of hugs and photos and I hit the road. Waiting for my flight, I flip through pictures on my phone and wonder how on earth I get to call this “work”.

It is in moments like this one, as I’m waiting to board the plane, that I know exactly why we do this. Why we fly across the country or the globe to meet up in some city. It isn't to talk tech or workshop some newfangled ideas. It is for the people.

Some of these people I only get to see once a year in person. Our virtual world of working is great, don’t get me wrong, but it can't compare to hugging people and getting to have heartfelt moments with them in person. It may seem kind of wild to some that in a sea of three thousand people you could feel seen or connected, but that's how I feel in these moments.

And that's because I have found my people.

I'm self-aware enough to know I'm not for everyone. That is fine with me. I’d rather be someone’s shot of tequila than everybody’s cup of tea. I know who I am and I know who my kind of people are, which means I get to find them, attract them, and build meaningful relationships with them in the real world. My kind of people are honest to a fault, they aren't shocked by swear words, and they have a heart just as big as their sense of humor. They're the real deal, and they do amazing work to help others and make the world a better place.

And y 'all, when I'm in the presence of my people, I feel so damn encouraged and inspired to do the same. Even after three days of functioning on minimal sleep, I feel so grateful and inspired to be alive. These moments remind me every time why I do the work I do.

My greatest wish is that everyone came home with that feeling. That, rather than feeling stressed or anxious about what they’re falling short in the eyes of the industry, they felt excited and supported in the work they have ahead. Conferences can serve as an incredible catalyst for change, but it's people that will really encourage and aid in your progress when it comes to taking action. 

So how do you find your people? My strongest recommendation is to show up as you are so that you can find and connect with the right kind of people to see you through whatever comes next. I am such a huge believer that your vibe attracts your tribe, so show up as you’d want others to show up for you so that you can attract these people into your life

And after the show ends, after the booths are packed up, after the luggage is stuffed into a Lyft, after you've had your three days to recover fully, keep showing up. Show up for yourself, and show up for others. If you want help finding and connecting those other people, seek them out or check out our community offerings here and here. 

There is incredible power and prosperity to be found through collaboration and community. Make it your personal priority to connect with people that are going to encourage you and celebrate you as you grow. More than anything though, don't let the big lessons and little moments of a conference slip through your hands. Ideas are just ideas if we don't take them and run with them. Find your people that share your passion and they will help you turn all those incredible ideas into actions and reality.

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