July 4, 2011
So What Happened?
My email box has been filling up in the past week due to having been involved as both the sponsor/ organizer and one of the speakers in the Presentation University and the Neuro-Semantic Conference. Many of you have written and asked:
“So how is the Conference going?”
“I can’t wait to hear about the Conference, when you are you going write about it?”
“So what happened at the Conference?”
Last night we brought to a conclusion the Inaugural International Neuro-Semantic Conference with a powerful keynote speech from Master Trainer Colin Cox who used the story of the adventure of reaching the summit of Mount Everest as a metaphor for catching a vision, making a decision, living a commitment, and persevering. Colin’s call to action for those of us at the Conference was a call to recognize “the next level” and name the mountain that we will climb, to recognize the banner or flag that we will carry, and the commitment that we will live.
Representatives from 14 countries gathered in my hometown of GJ (Grand Junction) Colorado— Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Belgium, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the United States. While my goal was to reach 100. We did not do that. Instead there were 68 altogether at the Conference and yet I do have to say that the passion and energy at the Conference was incredible! It was exciting. It often felt like a burning fire of passion and care for what we have and what it can do in the world. And because of that level of commitment and energy from the participants and presenters, it all made for a very lively and passionate Conference.
Seventeen presenters delivered 20 workshops on the themes of Business, Coaching, and Personal Development along with 3 keynote presentations. And numerous times various individuals approached me and commented about a particular workshop, “What I got out of that one workshop was worth more than the price for the whole Conference!” Of course, you would expect that with a theme like Actualizing Excellence. And on Saturday evening, Mandy Chai from Hong Kong delivered a keynote that stirred the hearts of everyone there with the vision that she caught in 2005 and that she has now made “actual” in her Neuro-Semantic work in Hong Kong and China as she had led the way to taking Neuro-Semantics to Asia.
A real treat at the Conference was the appearance of Dr. Bob Bodenhamer, my business partner for many years and the person I co-founded the International Society with. Bob came and presented a workshop on his work in working with people who stutter. And as usual, he stole the hearts of those who heard him!
Here are some of the comments written down at the end of the Conference to give you a flavor:
“I just spent three days listening to top-notch people from all over the world deliver top-notch, life-changing presentations. It was inspiring to be in the company of so many who are following their dreams and making a difference.” Becky Schumacher, Minnesota USA
“Every workshop I attended contributed to my business, personal, and professional development.” Joe Brodnicki, Tennessee USA
“This Conference represents a world without boundaries, moving toward a single objective, yet many different perspectives exist in harmony. The paths are different, but the mission is the same, to fill the world with excellence, to be all we can be, and to make the world a better place.” Jim Brush, California USA
“This Conference had gems in it for everyone no matter what background or experience in NLP, NS, or Meta-Coaching.” Dawn Voyce, Switzerland
“The entire Conference was inspirational and provided wonderful information. Neuro-Semantics offers skills that, if more widely disseminated, could really change the world for the better!” Rich Liotta, Ph.D., New York, USA
“The Conference was a great opportunity to learn, refresh approaches in coaching and Neuro-Semantics and make good business connections.” Ma. Pilar Dominquez Lopez, Mexico
“I highly recommend the Conference ... informative and inspirational, full of practical and experiential learning opportunities, and connecting to the global NS community. Surely history in the making for the field of NS–NLP.” Jim Dhillon, California USA
“Excellent exposure to a wealth of NS experience and expertise.” Gloria Mbokota, South Africa
“Outstanding group— community and a lot f learning on how to become a better Human Being.” Dr. Jairo Manchilha, Rio de Januio Brazil.
“This Conference truly lives up to the vision of ‘Actualising the highest and best.’ It is about actualizing the best that you can be. Crytalising the vision and taking productive steps in achieving that.” M. Marzuki Mohamed, Malaysia
“The Neuro-Semantic Community embraced us as first-timers. We are taking so much value and so many personal tools home with us.” Kay Axtell, Colorado USA
“The diversity of workshops is an incomparable source for personal improvements.” Manry Karinne, Switzerland
“History is told, reality is now, and we need to make our own history of modeling and showing that Neuro-Semantics is infectious once you experience ‘your highest and best’ you want to share and guide the up-coming generation.” Tshidi Modiragale, South Africa
“It’s refreshing to be part of a warm and challenging community that really wants the best for you.” Shane Stewart, Sydney Australia
“Being in the community of Neuro-Semantic folks has given me a new perspective of where the community is headed. Trainers shared special applications of the work for others to use.” Jim Binford, California USA
“The opportunity to mix with and learn from and with people from across the world is a unique privilege and experience.” Earle Taylor, Australia
“The Conference gave me the opportunity to meet, listen to the world’s top-notch self-actualizing people.” Dr. Paul Chan Kwok Hei
L. Michael Hall, Ph.D.
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