Jolie and I went down to the Portland Art Museum for a meeting with the Events Planner last week.
We looked around at rooms that seated 350+ people. We talked about projectors and coat rooms and WiFi and catering—and everything else you could think of related to holding a major event.
“Look,” I said as we walked past a wide corridor. “That looks like a nice place for the bloggers’ lounge.” The corridor in question also contained a large statue of a naked man, but hey, it’s an art museum.
“We don’t allow red wine in this room,” the planner told me as we walked by another room with 500-year-old paintings. “But white wine? As much as you want!”
Normally I’d be taking notes on all these things—we looked at ten different rooms, all with different seating capacities and red wine vs. white wine specifications. But I didn’t take any notes at all, because I was simultaneously thrilled and terrified, caught up in the Big Idea of what this was all about.
“What do you think?” the cheery Events Planner asked as she walked us out.
I looked up at the impressive building, pictured above and over here. “I’ll take it,” I said. “Let’s do it.”
And thus began the planning…
The Unconventional Book Tour kicks off in just eight days, with my goal of meeting every person who reads AONC in the U.S. and Canada. But as much fun as it will be going from Kansas to Nebraska to meet with 63 small groups, I also thought:
What if we could also bring everyone together in one place? That would be even more epic than me going around from city to city.
So that’s what this is about, and I knew that the “one place” had to be Portland (PDX), World Domination HQ and my hometown of choice. We’ve been scouting event spaces for weeks, trying to find the best location to host an amazing group of people. A place like the Marriott isn’t the right fit, but the smaller hotels were, well, too small.
So I made a big financial commitment to rent the Portland Art Museum, and everything that goes with it—A/V, permits from the city, insurance to make sure no one breaks the naked man statue, and so on. As I suspected, renting out the Portland Art Museum for an entire weekend isn’t cheap. I’m taking a big risk in committing ten months in advance, but nothing worth doing is ever easy.
So, friends: here’s the proposal.
Next June, I propose we take over Portland, Oregon with our first annual World Domination Summit, and I’d love for you to be a part of it.
The summit will be a gathering of remarkable people from all over the world. Other authors, bloggers, and interesting people will be speaking from the main stage, a 376-seat theater where we’ll meet for about a third of the time.
The second part of our time will be in small groups, where we talk about travel hacking, microbusinesses, how to do what you love while changing the world, and all kinds of other important topics. (You’ll sign up for the groups you want, and there will also be a voting system to nominate your own group.)
The final third of the time will be all about community. We’re working with the Mayor’s Office to put together tours of Portland. You can visit the city’s famous food carts, check out the vegan tattoo parlor, head back to the theater for a special Charity: Water screening we’re putting together, or whatever you want.
And mostly, you can hang out with people who see the world in the same way. It will be insanely epic, and I’d love for you to be there.
So here’s the second part of the deal.
The summit will have a cost associated with it, but I’m spending my time thinking about how it can be amazing instead of how it can make money. (“Not many people can guarantee awesomeness, but we’re stepping up” as I say in the Unconventional Guides business.)
It will probably cost about $300 a person or so for the whole thing—much cheaper than SXSW, BlogWorld, or any other major conference that doesn’t have a ton of advertisers. We’re also working with hotels to offer a discounted group rate, talking to both hostels in town to completely book them out, and planning to coordinate some kind of couchsurfing option for people who prefer that.
I’m not 100% sure how everything will work yet, but I have a team of advisers here in Portland helping me to make this much more awesome than I could do on my own. And if you come, you’ll be a big part of making it even more awesome.
The goal is to publish the registration site in mid-September—live from the road as I’m touring America. But before then, I wanted you to be the first to know.
Will you save the date, and set aside June 3-5th 2011? I hope you can make it.
###
August 30, 2010
Pace Smith
Kyeli and I will be there.
August 30, 2010
Sarah Mason
I was really looking forward to the Unconventional Book Tour (still am) and now this? Turning the meeting concept on its head? Love that no industry is taboo for you. Of course, that’s what world domination is all about, isn’t it? June 2011 dates saved.
August 30, 2010
Baker
Courtney, Milligan, and I will be there. You only have 373 spots left…
August 30, 2010
Jason Sokol
Would love to come! I hope it happens.
August 30, 2010
jennifer
very cool. would love to be there!
August 30, 2010
Dave
This sounds VERY appealing to me….but I’m terrible with commitments so far in advance. I may still be living in Colombia next June.
August 30, 2010
Andi
Dream big right???
August 30, 2010
Ken Apple
I don’t know for sure I can swing it, but it’s going on my list of things to do next year.
August 30, 2010
April Moore Skelton
Sweet! I always love a reason to come to Portland.
August 30, 2010
Mark Anthony
I’ll be there! I can hardly wait!
August 30, 2010
ABCcreativity
This Is So Completely Awesome!
OMG!
August 30, 2010
Doug
Sounds great to me Chris. We’re planning a west coast tour for next year already. Now we have some dates to work with!
August 30, 2010
Tucker Bradford
Sweet. If there’s a mailing list for updates, put me on!
-=T
August 30, 2010
Bridget
I’ll be there. Totally, completely excited by the idea. Perfect location and I know you’ll bring good people to it!
August 30, 2010
Vanessa
Wow, you’re right that DOES sound insanely epic. Holy crap I’d love to go!
August 30, 2010
Charmaine
I’m definitely interested!
August 30, 2010
Megan Dietz
omg! so excited! i am there!!
August 30, 2010
Sean
This is going to be big, I’m excited!
August 30, 2010
Nancy
Hey Chris,
This sounds like an awesome event. I expect at that point in time, I will be busy spending time with my first newborn.
I was wondering if you’re looking at options for live streaming of some of the events? I’d like to feel a part of the event, and I’d be interested in some travel free alternatives.
Nancy
August 30, 2010
Laura Lee Bloor
Congrats, Chris! I’ve always wanted to see Portland. Keep us updated, and I’m looking forward to seeing you then!
August 30, 2010
Amanda @ Kind Over Matter
This is epic Chris!!!!
Soooo awesome!
Excited!
August 30, 2010
Megan Dietz
oops, forgot to mention, check out airbnb.com, where folks rent their couches/spare rooms/extra apartments to travelers. i just took a trip staying exclusively in airbnb joints and it was awesome. there are lots of hosts in portland, very reasonable prices.
airbnb is a very AONC-type of site — you might be able to officially partner w/them for mutual benefit!
August 30, 2010
Terrintokyo
Oh, this is exciting!
Another reason to be frugal and try to make my microbusinesses work:
SXSW
World Domination
Netroots Nations
fingers crossed (and following the UGuide I just bought;-) I’ll be able to make all three!
August 30, 2010
Devin
Hi Chris,
I am always so impressed with your scope and vision. It gives me hope to accomplish my own scope and vision. While I probably cannot get away for fun, I am still working on streamlining my life, I am exceptionally curious as what the hell will be going on without me — so who knows?
Best of success in thi next adventure.
devin
August 30, 2010
JACK
It will be great to discuss High-Speed Rail, Light Rail, Amtrak and Mass Transit with others interested in eliminating our addiction to oil.
August 30, 2010
Mark N Horoszowski
AWESOME – see you all there!!!
August 30, 2010
Melissa Dinwiddie
I’m in! Can’t WAIT! (How thoughtful of you to schedule it for a date when I’m NOT at music camp.)
Let me know how I can help, before, during and/or after!
August 30, 2010
Mandi
Oh, excitement!
Since I live 2 blocks from the art museum I have no excuse and will definitely be there.
If you need any volunteer assistance in planning/setting up.. whatevs, I’m down for it.
August 30, 2010
Jane Kathryn Kolles
How awesome! The possibility of this made my morning. (Is it June yet?)
August 30, 2010
Andre Beuchat
This is really great but I think many people around the globe would like to participate and will probably not be able to make it person. I would like to suggest a hybrid conference with a smaller fee to participate online. i can recommend using inXpo (i am not related in any way to them, just like their service).
All the best in your tour!
August 30, 2010
Todd
Wow! The great thing is that it is so far in advance that it can be planned for. I hate it when a cool conference is announced, but it is at the end of the month.
August 30, 2010
Michelle
This is amazing – I’ll definitely try and be there! (like another commenter, I’m bad at planning that far in advance. But that isn’t out of my price range & I’ve been meaning to visit Portland anyways, soo…)
August 30, 2010
Mars Dorian
Dude, you are playing a much higher game now – I’m luving it !
You are right, grrreat things are never easy, but the way you expand your brand presence is…epic !
Although that’s a hefty price tag, I consider going there.
I need my online biz really to kick-ass in order to bring in a lot of Benjamins.
Chris, you are rocking it, on every single level !
August 30, 2010
Janice Cartier
Ripple and flow baby.. a PERFECT VENUE!!!! For the art of non-conformity…:) Saving the date and how to get there will follow.. right?
))) LOVE this!!!
August 30, 2010
Benoit Ferland
I’ll be there!
August 30, 2010
Liz
Yes. I’m in. Can hardly wait!
August 30, 2010
Jennifer Bones
I am SO already there! Yay
August 30, 2010
Rob @ RWebConsulting
Hi Chris – As long as the price remains reasonable I will definitely try to make it up/down/left/right (I am in Hungary right now) to the conference in Portland.
Seems like as long as the conference is structured to share ideas with people that have the same vision as you, an “investment” of $300 is a bargain
Way to take the plunge! I firmly believe its easier to get over some failures than look back and wonder “what if”; although I am sure this conference would be a success!
Cheers,
Rob
August 30, 2010
Travis and Robin
The summer is filling up fast with our figure skating events, but I love a reason to see friends in Portland. We’ll save the date, and try to find a way to make it.
PS: I’m 1/3 of the way through the book, it arrived this morning!
August 30, 2010
Peter
I am so there.
August 30, 2010
Gail
I’ve been looking for a great excuse/reason for visiting Portland, and here it is! There’s even art attached. What more could I possibly want. I’m in. Add me to your list.
August 30, 2010
Linda
Calendar is reserved–can’t wait!
August 30, 2010
Cynthia Morris
This sounds great! I’d love to be there – and offer something to you and the participants as a speaker or breakout session leader. Will you contact me when you’re corralling speakers for the event?
Fun, fun, fun!
August 30, 2010
Patrick Prothe
Chris – since I’m right here in P-Town, how could I not join you. As part of the team planning our company’s user conference (in less than 3 weeks), I understand exactly how big of a risk and the myriad details one needs to address to pull off such an event. Congratulations on your upcoming book and I have the utmost confidence you’ll pull off a fabulous event. And FWIW, if there’s anything I can do to help (no clue what that might be) I’m happy to do so!
August 30, 2010
Kristy Bolsinger
So exciting!!! If there is any way I can help I’d be happy to. Seattle’s not all that far up the road
Can’t wait!
August 30, 2010
Gary Wilson
Like Mars, I read this and thought: Just when you reached a new level, you push to a higher one. Sounds great. I have a conflict with a cycling trip around Alpe d’Huez but this is a higher mountain! Will try to be there.
August 30, 2010
LM
So far from me but I’d love to come. Can’t wait to see your speaker line up!
August 30, 2010
Laurie Heriz-Smith
Count me in… this is fantastic!
And I look forward to seeing you in the other Portland next month!
August 30, 2010
Lisa Gentile
Date saved (squeezed) right between So. Cal, S. America, and Europe. It will be a world domination re-charge for this moxie maverick. Weeeee!!!!!!!
August 30, 2010
Greg
Hope to make it up there!
August 30, 2010
Sam
Urm, yeah! Of course!!! Wow our very own version of the TED conference. *dances around*
August 30, 2010
Kevin
Count me + 1 in. Looking forward to it!
August 30, 2010
Annie Anderson
Chris – Absolutely count me in! Got the date saved in my calendar. Portland is only 4 hours from me and I’ve got a couple of friends down there so it’ll be perfect.
This is exciting! I can’t wait.
August 30, 2010
Pam
Chris,
I am so excited for you! I would LOVE to come to Portland next summer. I not sure I can fit in in( leaving for Gemany mid-June 2011), but I hope I can squeeze it in! Looking forward to seeing you in Houston in November!
August 30, 2010
Sandy Dempsey
Oh Yeah!! Reserving the date and brainstorming special projects to help me get there!
Keep rockin’ Chris!!
August 30, 2010
Megan
I’m there! — Recommendations for cool stuff to keep a significant other (outdoors-type) merrily occupied?
August 30, 2010
Magnus
Would love to come. But it is a long way from Sweden. Will just have to start making plans
August 30, 2010
Le Minxxx
Would definitely hit up the West Coast for this
August 30, 2010
Carmen Torbus
I’m there.
August 30, 2010
Zachary
That sounds epic! I can’t to go!
August 30, 2010
Linda Gabriel
Wow! This sounds incredible. I’m planning to be there or be square.
August 30, 2010
Mikeachim
Alas, love to – but I’ll be in Vancouver for the Travel Blog Exchange 2011 meeting….
A request? For us unfortunate unavailables, recordings of the main events? Like a livestream that gets archived, or transcripts? (And what better way to keep the signal strong after the event itself?).
August 30, 2010
Bob
Count me in too! I need to work hard between now and June next year – Portland is a long way from Oz!
August 30, 2010
Sage Cohen
The date has been saved! Please call on me if you need any support making it all happen.
August 30, 2010
Brian Lukowski
For sure and Absolutely! Count four spots taken.
August 30, 2010
Katie
Longtime reader/lurker here. Finally coming out of the woodwork to say that this sounds awesome, and I would love to go!
I already planned on attending two major conferences in 2011, but I will do my best to make it to this one, too.
August 30, 2010
Robert Ford
I’m in!
August 30, 2010
Meg
Consider the date saved, and me trying to figure out how to get two people there.
(I’ll drag my hubby along since I think it’ll be good for him!) Thankfully flights to PDX are cheap for us! I’ll do my best to save up for the cost, it’d be worth it.
August 30, 2010
Marthe
This sounds awesome!
However, as a student from the other side of the world, I doubt I can afford to make it when adding plane costs etc. Maybe you could have some sort of webinar/live coverage as well?
Good luck with your tour as well!
August 30, 2010
Alisha
Chris – I will be there! I have always wanted to visit Portland and now I have a fantastic reason to go. Thanks for creating something that is going to bring so many people together and create so many amazing connections – you rock!
August 30, 2010
Haider
Sounds like an excellent idea!
Portland is full of cool people. You, Mark Silver, Charlie Gilkey…
Date saved!
August 30, 2010
Aurora
I would love to go – I’m in. Thank you for doing this!
August 30, 2010
Erica
Sounds like an amazing idea! I hope I’ll be able to attend.
August 30, 2010
Danielle
hmmm….i must figure out how to be there…sounds awesome!
August 30, 2010
Karen Talavera
Sounds right up my alley and I would LOVE to be there! I will as long as it doesn’t overlap my daughter’s graduation.
August 30, 2010
Bob Poole
I love, “I’ll take it.” That must have felt very exciting. I have no doubt that it will be well worth the price of admission. Thanks for dreaming big.
August 30, 2010
Summer
Date saved.
Genius idea.
August 30, 2010
tobias tinker
well I have to say I like the sound of that.
Portland is a long way from Berlin.
Nevertheless, I won’t rule it out and will explore some options…
August 30, 2010
G
Very cool!
Any kind of payment plan option available? I would love to be there but this is about the most important year of my life in terms of making it all happen, so I can’t know this far ahead where I will be…hopefully doing really well and able to come no problem…but what if I am in the middle of a work tsunami to make my own stuff take off?
So if there is a payment plan option I think you’ll get more people to commit early.
August 30, 2010
julius
I’m planning to go to the USA in 2011, would be great to start in Portland!
August 30, 2010
Delores
Great! School will just be out. I was planning to go to Vietnam and then do the NW but for this I’ll just switch it up. Looking forward to it.
August 30, 2010
Randy Moe
Could be done. I never go to trade shows, pun intended, but may be there. Good luck!
August 30, 2010
Monique Johnson
I will definitely be there! Never been to Portland before!
August 30, 2010
Josh
Cool, I’ll bring the dip! I would love to go, better start saving now!
August 30, 2010
Katherine Cunningham
Will be there! All the way from Melbourne, Australia! There are so many levels of goodness in this opportunity, I can’t pass it up! YAY!
August 30, 2010
Maryam Webster
Love Portland, love your work, yes I’ll be there!
August 30, 2010
Natalie Currie
Fantastic idea – I’ll be there!
August 30, 2010
James Clark
Thanks for the advance warning, I will be on the West Coast in June so it is possible I could attend.
August 30, 2010
Sheila Quinn
I’M SO IN, CHRIS!!!!!
QUEBEC, CANADA REPRESENT!!!
August 30, 2010
David Hood
Awesome Chris. Adding Portland to my 2011 US trip itinerary now. Thanks!
August 30, 2010
Aaron
So glad to hear your plans are growing, Chris.
Also, I just got my advance copy of your book. CANNOT wait to read it and help out!!!
August 30, 2010
Cath Wood
Sounds awesome Chris, well done!
August 30, 2010
Grace
You make it happen and I will be there!
August 30, 2010
Nancy cameron
Dude! Count me in (did I just say dude?)
Never been to Portland, so here’s a good excuse, other than “just cuz”.
Make it happen. Think you’ll have more people than you bargained for.
August 30, 2010
Leigh
I’ll probably still be in Cambodia, but if there’s a way to stream talks or watch/download videos after the conference, I’d be interested in that!
August 30, 2010
Sherold Barr
Hi Chris – I am thrilled with this news. I am your mother’s age and yet I am over-the-top inspired by you and people of your generation – GenX and Millennials. So i am one of your people here in pdx and I would love to help with this. I am a wise mentor. I want to harness my generation and your generations to save the planet. So – count me in.
P.S. I am writing short essays aka chapters for an eBook – Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before I Was Thirty. A baby boomers letter to GenX and Millennial. Please check it out here, and if one of the tenants (it’s a manifesto in disguise) appeals to you, I would love to have you give me a quote or a piece to go with that particular essay. I have others in mind to add to it. I am tenacios so I will ask Naomi. I see her in a few of the top 10. Thanks for inspiring us.
August 30, 2010
Angela
I will so make it!!
August 30, 2010
Amanda
Since you’re not planning to come to Australia on your book tour – will be make a major effort to be in Portland to take it all in. Bring it on!
August 30, 2010
Lauren Rains
See you then! I have always wanted to check out PDX too!
August 30, 2010
Rebecca
Hi Chris,
I know we’re never met or talked, but I’ve been following your blog for some time. I’m so impressed you’re going for it with this event. It’s going to be incredible.
I live in P-town and I’d be happy to help with preparations for the summit if you need it. Just let a girl know.
August 30, 2010
j.
PDX is tempting enough with the vegan barbecue food cart (made *for*, not *of*). Depending on cashflow, my location, tickets, and this not selling out before I know if it works or not, I’ll “pencil” it in.
Besides, I *like* nekkid man statues.
August 30, 2010
Monica
99.9999999999% YES! Freak accidents are the .00000000001% “No.”
August 30, 2010
Nick
Hey Chris,
Sounds Awesome!
If logistics are friendly, I’ll be there!
N
August 30, 2010
April
I’ll be there too! Hey–looks like your event is nearly sold out!
August 30, 2010
Jessica
This sounds great! So excited for it and happy to see your success
August 31, 2010
Simone
Even if it rains in Portland in June, I’ll still be there!
August 31, 2010
Javier Munoz
My mind-body-soul and all other yet unrealized dimensions of my being are there already in Portland. Is that enough of a commitment?
August 31, 2010
Susannah
oh my god, YES, count me in
August 31, 2010
Elizabeth Potts Weinstein
It’s on my calendar. That is all.
August 31, 2010
Scott
Really happy that this is the week before TBEX11 in Vancouver, definitely planning on going to both!
Chris do you plan on running the registration through Eventbright or do it in house like the book tour?
August 31, 2010
Lynne Sullivan
Looking forward to the details. Sounds like a great idea!
August 31, 2010
Marguerite Hummel
I can hear myself singing “Happy Birthday to Me!” all the way! My birthday is that month and I think it’s a great birthday present for me!
August 31, 2010
Matt Stewart
Date set aside, see you there!
August 31, 2010
Jason Gill
I will be there! Perhaps Christina will also. (I mean it would be ridiculous to miss it since I’m five minutes away from it!
P.S. I found a place in Portland!
August 31, 2010
Christina
Thanks, Chris, for letting us know the date and an approximation of the cost this far in advance. Luckily, I live in PDX (and really had a great time at the last meet-up!) so I don’t have to factor in travel, room, and board costs. I’ve set up a goal on Mint, and I’ll be putting $30 per month into a special savings account just for this. When do you think you’ll be opening registration?
August 31, 2010
Michael
You had me at “tattoo”
August 31, 2010
Jenny
I think I’ll be in the area around this time… so I will totally hit it up! Stoked on how everything seems to be falling into place for me.
August 31, 2010
Katana
Squee! Squee!
So excited!!!
If I haven’t moved to Costa Rica I WILL SO BE THERE!!! HAHA
August 31, 2010
rianna
Count me in!
August 31, 2010
Wyman
Plan to be there to talk with other Internet business startups.
September 1, 2010
Cheryl in Europe
Great news ! Especially as it coincides with a rare visit to San Francisco the week before. Count me in…
September 1, 2010
Timothy Morris
I love the idea. I need to start saving miles and cash for the trip now. Once the dates are solid I will be looking to attend. This sounds like the best thing in the world. I love this kind of stuff.
September 1, 2010
Olga
Thanks for the heads up. Unfortunately I have another conference to attend during that week. I can’t wait to be involved in the next one!
Cheers ninjas!
September 1, 2010
Chris
Would have loved to come, this really got me excited!
I just need a way to sneak out the university I’m beginning af in 3 weeks..
September 1, 2010
Corey White
If I’m not in Argentina next June then I will be there!
September 1, 2010
Craig Ernst
Sounds awesome! I decided to keep an eye out since hearing you mention it in your interview with Andrew Warner at Mixergy.com.
September 2, 2010
Beth Jennings
oooh! sounds awesome!! Good luck, I’d say you’ll have a huge turnout by the time it comes around.
September 2, 2010
Sietse
I’ve enjoyed your blog and ebooks so much, so I’d love to somehow contribute to the event, despite my limited time! If you need help with anything, drop me a line and maybe I can do something. Good luck Chris!
September 3, 2010
sarah
I am so freaking excited about this. Definitely want to attend and think 300 dollars for a weekend of activities and workshops is a great deal.
September 3, 2010
Amy Yu
I’ll see you June 3rd, +1 guest.
September 4, 2010
Monique Rubens Krohn
Count me in! Great reason to get to the West Coast and discover Portland Glad to see I won’t be the only Baby Boomer wise woman there!
September 4, 2010
Robbie Mackay
Awesome. This will be so much fun.
I’m just trying to think how I can get to the US from the UK without flying (and within my budget). Any readers with yachts who’d like some crew?
September 4, 2010
Charles
Hi Chris, got to know about you and your world domination concept a couple of days ago. You are the the kind of guy I’d love to meet. I’ve saved the date. My travel hacking has just begun. See you then!
September 5, 2010
viqueen
ALL weekend I’ve been thinking, why haven’t I been to Portland? It’s one of the few US cities I’ve always wanted to uncover. I don’t know anyone there, and when I bring it up, everyone, I mean, everyone says eeeeeeuuuuwww… it’s so rainy.
Then today, never had been to AONC, but a lucky link brought me here, and like something magical, I found a purpose, a reason to take me to Portland, with a purpose I can get behind.
Oh yeah, I’ll be there!
September 5, 2010
Hannah
Sounds wonderful. I lived in Pdx for 9 years before heading to Seattle (and now Minneapolis.) I need to go back and visit friends, so why not make it a triple-header? Yay!
September 6, 2010
Alvin Harrison
Chris,
I think what you are doing is absolutely wonderful!!! I will certainly be on a flight from NYC to join you guys.
Best of Luck to you,
Alvin Harrison
September 7, 2010
Donovan (THE Boot Camp Godfather)
I’ll be there and bring some friends.
October 5, 2010
Shannon
Yes, I am looking forward to meeting everyone there! It will be awesome!
October 20, 2010
Valerie
There!