Back in 2014, when I was hit with the epiphany that life is short, I should soak in EVERY minute and decided it was time to plan my life, another divine opportunity was placed in my path.

My sweet friend, Dawn, who I met on my first trip to Guatemala, ended up with an extra ticket to this “World Domination Summit” and asked me if I wanted to go.  She said she really didn’t know much about it as she had never been herself.  But she said it looked “super fun” and had a lot of “cool speakers.” So after doing a quick Google search on WDS, I was like “now THIS sounds interesting….a gathering of people ALL living lives centered around adventure, community and service. I’m in!”

During the summer of 2014, I embarked on my first trip to Portland, OR to spend an entire weekend with ~3000 world changers.  And I walked away more energized than ever about the opportunities laid out in front of me. So much so, I attended again in 2015 and am headed back to Portland this coming weekend for my third World Domination Summit.

So, what exactly IS the World Domination Summit?  First, you need to start by googling Chris Guillebeau. If you don’t know him, GET to know him. He is truly one of the MOST remarkable humans on this planet.  He is a NYT bestselling author who is breaking the mold of the conventional world.  In his book, The Art of Non-Conformity he details JUST how to do that.  Chris is SO extraordinary that he has, in fact, visited EVERY SINGLE COUNTRY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD.  Can you say you know anyone who has done that?

And Chris doesn’t just keep his awesomeness to himself.  He passionately shares his mission with the entire world.  And to further catapult the idea that one CAN live an unconventional life in a conventional world, Chris started WDS and invited others alongside him in his journey.

I have been FLOORED by the caliber of speakers Chris has hosted.  Jon Acuff, Michael Hyatt, Jeremy Cowart, Derek Sivers, Kid President, Brene Brown, Donald Miller, Gretchen Rubin, and Darren Rowse,  just to name a few.  Each one sharing how their own unconventional journey has led them to great successes and opportunities to change their lives as well as the lives of others.

Speakers also include fellow attendees who are doing their part to change the world. For example, my sweet friend and fellow OBU alumnus, Sarah Harmeyer, who is changing the world with her organization called Neighbor’s Table, was a featured speaker my first year attending.  I remember Sarah telling me she just wished her job could be to love people and build community. I would say she is well on her way because in addition to her full time job as a fundraiser for St. Jude, she stays busy delivering Neighbor’s Tables ALL OVER the U.S.  (She partners with her precious daddy who builds the tables in his barn.  Then she rents a UHAUL and drives the tables to their new homes…ANYWHERE in the U.S!)

In addition to the speakers, attendees are allowed to sponsor their own meetups (a.k.a “breakout sessions” in traditional conference settings).   This is where you can really get up close and personal with some rock stars in your area of interest or expertise.

And Chris ALWAYS makes sure a good time is to be had.  WDS has been known set/break several Guinness Book of World Records.  For example, WDS set the Guinness Record for the most people eating breakfast in bed (yes, there were real beds which were then donated to a local shelter).  Another record was set for the most people doing Yoga at the same time.  And another for the largest number of people floating on water in tubes, while holding hands, on the Willamette River.

And there’s ALWAYS surprises….OHHHHH the surprises….. Chris always makes sure there are little gifts sprinkled throughout the summit (because who doesn’t like gifts?!?!).

As an added bonus, if you’ve never been to Portland, it’s an AMAZING city full of culinary surprises.  Mother’s is one of my all-time favorites.  The Panna Cotta is to DIE FOR.  And the grilled grapefruit at The Imperial is a PERFECT treat for breakfast.  And one of my favorite, quaint, little restaurants is Veritable Quandry.

Then, there’s Powell’s Bookstore.  It is the MOTHERSHIP of all bookstores.  New and used books as far as the eye can see, up and down multiple stories.  Every year, Dawn and I meet up with Jeff Goins (who took us on that first trip to Guatemala, wrote the book that changed my outlook on life, and gave me some incredible forever friends) for a visit at Powell’s.  There’s nothing like good coffee and books with your favorite friends.

The World Domination Summit is an adventure filled, inspiring weekend like none other.  It’s an unprecedented opportunity for personal and professional growth. To be surrounded by thousands of visionaries, leaders, and entrepreneurs that are LITERALLY changing the world is a place I want to be (and you should too)!  The atmosphere is truly electrifying!   I’m incredibly excited about the weekend coming up and to learn from social media icons like Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Marc and Angel, J.D. Roth and Jonathan Fields.  You can follow along on social media by searching the hashtag #WDS2016.  And watch for a summary post in the coming weeks!

More to come!

Here are links to some of my favorite Chris Guillebeau books: