It was by chance that I heard about the WDS few days ago.
I was scrolling photos on Instagram and stopped at one of my new followers’ post, where the person announced the very approaching start of the WDS 2017 event, July 11-17, in Portland this year.
What were the chances for me to:
- discover a very interesting and inspiring event via Instagram (while, most of the time, it is only about liking/sharing photos there),
- learn about its imminent start near of my new location,
- and still have few time to attend at least a part of it!
That was just amazing!
As I am sure I am not the only one who didn’t know about that event – and, at the same time, not the only one who would love to know about all inspiring events in the world! – I decided to introduce the WDS here and to give you a quick feedback. 😉
World Domination Summit… What?
The WDS is an event founded by Chris Guillebeau (on the featured photo), and started in 2011 gathering people to explore one question: « How do we live a remarkable life in a conventional world? »
Since then, the event has brought more than 10,000 people from more than 40 countries for a full week of events, keynote speakers’ presentations, and various activities.
The purpose is to learn from unconventional thinkers and experts, and to access a new and unconventional community of friends and supporters.
A WDS foundation has also been created, offering grants to individuals in order to help them pursue their dreams and positively impact their community.
More information here.
Where and when?
Since 2011, the event has taken place every summer in Portland, Oregon State. It was from July 11th to July 17th this year, and will be from June 26th to July 2nd next year.
What does it cover?
The event covers all the following:
- Main stage speakers: the keynote speakers are bestselling authors, leading activists and storytellers.
- Meetups: attendees help lead and coordinate +100 meetups in and around Portland.
- Activities: there is a variety of adventures and activities, like: yoga, Bollywood dancing, Karaoke, etc.
- Academies: they are half-day workshops on a variety of topics, ranging from productivity to wellness, held by some of the alumni speakers and WDS community members.
- And also: hotel discounts, celebrations and a community.
A WDS mobile app is provided to connect with other attendees and to synch-up with the different event parts.
How much does it cost?
The WDS entrance ticket costs $547 for an early-bird purchase. It increases afterwards, and I’ve just seen that the early-bird tickets are already sold out for next year!
This ticket gives access to almost everything except the Academies – which are accessible and payable separately – but, it allows a nice discount on them.
For exemple this year: The access to each Academy costed $29 to WDS attendees and $59 to those not attending.
More information here.
My experience…
As the WDS entrance tickets were sold out at the moment I heard about it, I was only able to book tickets for Academies where there were still some availabilities.
I was happily surprised to see that Jeff Goins, the American writer, was holding one of the Academies, named: « Make a living writing ».
I am reading his last book (by chance?) since few weeks: « Real Artists don’t starve ». It was then natural for me to opt for his Academy, and fortunately, there were still a few availabilities.
Jeff Goins’ academy took place on Friday 14th of July, near Portland Art Museum. That was the day we moved – my husband and I – to our new apartment, at about 15 miles (25 kilometers) from the event location.
The new apartment was full of boxes with all our furniture relocated from France to Oregon. That was the final step of our official relocation in the USA.
Strange feelings that day… Fear of a wanted adventure? Homesickness for no-home-attached persons? Emptiness induced by the new start?… All of these.
Without much hesitation, I left the boxes and my strange feelings aside, and run to catch the Tramway to Portland. I was so excited that I forgot to take my phone with me. « No worries, I can survive without it. », I told myself.
That meant I had to rely on myself – and not on the GPS – to find my way to the museum, and to ask people for help when needed.
When I arrived at the event and entered the auditorium, I felt both touched and calm: it was crowded with aspiring writers like me! This is what feeling home should be like…
At the end of the presentations, I took my courage in both hands to approach my writer, Jeff Goins, to ask him for autograph and for advice. I even dared to ask one of the attendees – a new friend – to take us in photo and send it to me.
Is there a better way to officially mark a new start ?
A feedback, a question or a similar event? Do not hesitate to share it in a comment below.
Thank you!
SuccessfulMigrant intends to help intellectual migrants embrace a new country, a new career, or become entrepreneurs.
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Reading this now Nadia, how far you have come, in so many ways………..Wow!! Inspirational indeed!!
Thank you so much my dear Carrie!
Your comments always go straight to the heart…
Hope to always have you by my side for my upcoming writing projects! 😉
All the best my friend!!
Much love…
—
Nadia