I loves me a motivational event! There is just something about being surrounded by all that optimism, sage advice and leaders at the top of their game, that truly inspires me. Which is probably one of the reasons why I created my Passion Workshop – I hope to be that person for someone else.
I didn’t find out about The Best You Expo until a couple of days before the event, but when I saw the sessions and speakers that were scheduled to be there I knew I had to sign up right away. Sessions like “Master Your Emotions- Master Your Business & Your Life” & “Stop Procrastinating It’s Your Time” piqued interests, and then when I found out that Nia Peepleswas also going to be presenting on the main stage I did a little happy shimmy because when I first started blogging, Nia was a presenter at One of the first conferences I attended, and she gave me such insight about what branding oneself actually means and how to do it. Aside from speaking eloquently and breaking down concept that can seem really convoluted, she is also genuine. There’s a light that this woman possesses! I’m not exaggerating, this lady seriously LIGHTS up a room! So it was a full circle moment to see that 4 years later, after having built a pretty solid brand myself, I would get to see the woman who helped guide me in the process, live once again. She of course did NOT disappoint.
Nia was just as dynamic, inspiring and thought-provoking as the last time I’d seen her. I left her session with the hairs on the back of my neck standing straight because I was so energized. It was as if I was looking at the exact kind of speaker I hoped to be! Sitting in the audience I thought, THIS is how I want someone to feel when I’m up on that stage; because of course I have already decided that I WILL be on that stage next year.
I couldn’t possibly experience all of this goodness alone so I dragged my little brother to the expo with me. He’s graduating from high school in a few months and I thought this would be just the thing he needed the next phase of his life. I really wanted to provide him with the tools (that I was so lacking at his age) to be clear about his next steps. I was proud to say he took it pretty seriously, he had a notebook, pen and his backpack and was even going to sessions without me.
When we got to the expo the registration process was super easy. The event was held in downtown Long Beach at the Convention Center and there was a dance competition going on at the same time, this made for a little confusion in finding where we needed to be, but once we figured it out everything else was a breeze. The Convention Center floor is a huge open space and they made great use of it. Because there were so many sessions going on at the same time, they had various tents set up as breakout rooms throughout the venue. You could locate the session you were interested in attending with their helpful map and program, however we ended up walking to the different tents after our sessions ended and dropping into the most interesting ones.
Sessions were about 30-45 minutes in length and gave you just enough information to pique your interest to gather further information from that presenter. If I’m being honest, I found the information intermediate at best but still thought it was helpful. I’ve been studying a great deal about a lot of the subjects so a lot of the concepts presented were concepts I’d already heard or was already practicing. I will say the expo is perfect for those just beginning the journey of self help or those who want to network with other speakers in the motivation arena.
My favorite session was “Fully Booked- 6 Secrets Successful Speakers Use to Keep Their Calendar Booked Year Round”. The information was super helpful, very detailed and gave some useful tools to apply immediately afterward. Although the speaker was selling a product, I quickly realized the benefits of that product and felt she was very knowledgeable in the topic.
Aside from the breakout sessions and main stage speakers, there were booths set up selling their services, their products and giving out life enhancing coaching and advice. Each speaker along with their presentation had a booth that was set up for further inquiry. The above was a really fun booth where they provided an Instagram worthy frame with various adjectives you could attach. They encouraged visitors to pick the description that most represented where they were in their life at that time. I picked Dream Achiever because it spoke to my affinity to go after the things that I’m passionate about and making them a reality!
I enjoyed myself at The Best You Expo. I walked away feeling ready to do exactly what the people on those stages do! I think I’ve always believed I had to be some award-winning or recognized leader in the motivational speaking world to even begin to think about getting on a stage at an event this large. My insecurities and need to be perfect had me doubting my abilities and forgetting that I DO this for a living, not just as a side job but my actual profession!
After being inspired by Nia Peeples once again and seeing that everyone presenting there had something important to give I quickly changed my attitude! Regardless of whether or not I reach everyone in the audience what is most important is putting yourself out there and being open and vulnerable with your story. I mean, what good is your story, or the lessons you’ve learned if you’re not sharing it with anyone else?
So party people do you have any dreams you are trying to achieve by next year? I’d love to know in the comments below!