When my friend Dana Pake surprised me with a ticket to The Welcome Conference in NYC, I had no idea what to expect. As an event planner, attending more meetings wasn’t high on my list. But there are exceptions, and these events were experiences I longed for, somehow intertwined with my work. From the coveted C2 Montreal (still on my bucket list!) to the inspiring DO Lectures in Wales and, recently, the enriching CEMA Summit, all leading up to The Welcome Conference.
The weekend kicked off with exploring Williamsburg in Brooklyn, followed by a mouthwatering tasting menu at Eleven Madison Park on Sunday. The next morning, fueled by coffee, we found ourselves center stage, third row, rubbing shoulders with fellow Seattleites Mark and Brian Canlis. The conference was all about storytelling, and it delivered. Twelve speakers shared their insights, from the dynamic Meherwan & Molly Irani of Chai Pani Restaurant Group to bestselling author Shauna Niequiest.
Though there was no explicit theme, each speaker touched on hospitality in their own way. Here are a few standout moments:
Ari Weinzweig delivered a powerful message on the Revolution of Dignity. An unassuming figure with five books in hand, his talk centered on dignity in all its forms. He touched upon concepts like anarchy, which, at its core, represents the organization of society through voluntary cooperation. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging names like Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Trayvon Martin, highlighting the dignity of representation and the need for service industry workers to afford city living. His message resonated with the pursuit of equality for all.
Fellow Seattleite Mary Lambert left no stone unturned in her talk on body acceptance, queerness, mental health, and self-acceptance. She encouraged us to embrace our quirks, vulnerabilities, and insecurities, promoting self-hospitality.
The day’s most eloquent speaker, Kwame Onwuachi, had a story of relentless determination. From selling candy bars on crowded subways to fund his dream, he shattered barriers, navigated obstacles, and achieved his goal of opening the #1 restaurant in NYC, Tatiana. His question, “How bad do you want it?” resonated deeply.
Reflecting on this experience, it’s a love letter to myself, a reminder of the importance of learning, experiencing, and growing. It’s about allowing myself to attend events like this, connecting with disruptors, and realizing I am worth it. These weekends are not just fantastic. They’re necessary.
Attending something like The Welcome Conference changes you. As someone who helps people tell their stories, I take it more seriously than ever. The change I’ve longed for is finally here—I must prioritize filling my own cup. Weekends like this one are how I plan to do it, and there’s no going back.
