Categories
Personal News & Updates

CaboPress 2023

Why CaboPress is the Best Conference, Not Just for Business, But for Any Space

Imagine you’re sitting in a pool. A warm, gentle breeze is blowing against your face. A cold drink in your hand.

You stare out over the edge of the pool into the pristine water of the Pacific Ocean.

You turn to the left and have 50 of the kindest, most knowledgeable experts and business owners all wanting to chat and learn together.

That’s CaboPress.

CaboPress is the best conference not just in the business space, but in any space. Chris Lema does a fantastic job of curating an excellent group of business owners who are kind, experts, and willing to share their experience. The hosts facilitate discussions about topics that are both pertinent to the attendees and help them walk away with actionable next steps to improve their businesses.

A Sense of Belonging

At CaboPress, there is an immediate feeling of connection. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed with open arms by a community of like-minded individuals. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find that everyone is eager to share their knowledge and experiences. It’s a place where you can truly be yourself and feel accepted. Every year, it feels like finding your people.

Meeting like-minded individuals is one of the highlights of CaboPress. You’ll be surrounded by people who understand the challenges and triumphs of running a business. This creates an incredible opportunity to learn from others and gain new perspectives. The connections you make at CaboPress can have a lasting impact on your personal and professional growth.

CaboPress attracts a diverse group of business owners from various industries, providing a unique opportunity to connect with individuals who share your passion and drive. Whether you’re a tech entrepreneur, a creative freelancer, or a small business owner, you’ll find a community that understands and supports your goals. No jerks are allowed. Chris works very hard to curate a kind, thoughtful community of people. It’s also an invitation only event with limited spots, so applying is the first step.

Actionable Next Steps

Another reason why CaboPress stands out for me is its focus on actionable next steps. The curated discussions during the conference are designed to provide practical insights and strategies that attendees can implement immediately. The sessions cover a wide range of topics, from marketing and sales to leadership and productivity.

During these discussions, attendees have the opportunity to share their experiences and expertise. This collaborative environment allows for valuable insights and ideas to emerge. You’ll walk away from CaboPress with tangible improvements for your business, whether it’s a new marketing tactic, a refined sales process, or a fresh perspective on leadership.

Each year, I walk away with very tactical next steps that I’m able to implement right away, bringing growth and revenue to my business. This year was no exception. I came back and days later started to craft new audience personas and segmentation to both SendWP & Quillbee.

Disarming Environment

Unlike traditional conferences, CaboPress takes a unique approach to create a disarming environment for discussions. Instead of sitting in rows of chairs while being talked at by a speaker, sessions are held in a pool. This unconventional setting encourages open and relaxed discussions.

By removing the barriers between attendees and speakers, CaboPress fosters an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their wins, failures, and experiences. The pool setting creates a sense of camaraderie and breaks down the traditional hierarchy often present in conference settings. It’s refreshing to be able to engage in meaningful conversations with industry leaders and peers on an equal footing.

One of the most memorable sessions for me was a roundtable discussion on customer research. We sat in the pool, sharing our stories and supporting each other. I spoke up with a question about how that related to newer industries like AI. In the ensuing discussion, it became apparent to me and everyone around me that my customer personas were too broad, and essentially encompassed everyone everywhere. But that didn’t come with judgement or disdain. It came with kindness, support, and offers to help refine them.

Curated Lunch and Dinner Groups

At CaboPress, the learning doesn’t stop with the sessions. Lunch groups are fully curated based on who will add the most value for you at your current spot. Lunches are spent going over what we learned in the morning sessions and looking for missed epiphanies. Dinner groups provide additional opportunities for deeper conversations and connection-building and are generally “find 4 other people that are X.” These smaller group settings allow attendees to process the sessions and expand their thinking. I’ve made lasting friendships in both meal groups gotten breakthrough advice as well.

One of the most beneficial aspects of these curated groups is the diversity of perspectives. Each group is carefully selected to include individuals from different industries, backgrounds, and expertise. This diversity sparks interesting discussions and expands your thinking beyond your own industry bubble.

Afternoon Free Time

One of the unique features of CaboPress is the afternoon free time. Unlike conferences that pack the schedule with back-to-back sessions, CaboPress provides ample time for attendees to process, discuss, and relax.

This free time is invaluable for reflecting on the insights gained during the morning sessions, discussing ideas with fellow attendees, and simply unwinding. The Grand Fiesta Americana resort, where CaboPress takes place, offers a variety of amenities, including pools, hot tubs, and a beautiful beach. This allows attendees to recharge and enjoy their surroundings.

During my free time at CaboPress, I had the opportunity to connect with other attendees, share our takeaways, and dive deeper into topics of interest. These informal conversations often led to new ideas and collaborations. The afternoon free time is a crucial part of the CaboPress experience, allowing for a well-rounded and rejuvenating conference experience.

Don’t Wait

If you have to choose one conference to attend in 2024, CaboPress should be at the top of your list. The combination of a sense of belonging, actionable next steps, a disarming environment, curated lunch and dinner groups, and afternoon free time makes it an unparalleled conference experience.

Applying to CaboPress as a priority is a wise decision for anyone looking to achieve growth and success for their business. The connections made, the knowledge gained, and the inspiration received at CaboPress can have a transformative impact on your business journey.

As a business owner, I’ve attended many conferences over the years, but CaboPress stands out as a truly exceptional event. The care and thought put into every aspect of the conference, from the session topics to the networking opportunities, is evident. Chris Lema and his team have created a conference that is not only informative but also enjoyable and meaningful.

Apply for CaboPress 2024

By Matt Pritchett

Matt is a Christian, a husband, a father to four, and a software engineer at Saturday Drive, the makers of products like Ninja Forms, Caldera Forms, and SendWP. He also helps clients solve complex problems with code, consulting, and more. He occasionally blogs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.