Attending a conference of any sort for the first time can be daunting for anyone. So we’re hoping to change that for our first-time friends at the upcoming National Gathering.
The Sherpa people of Tibet settled in the high peaks of the Himalaya Mountains 800-1000 years ago and are world-renowned for their commitment to radical hospitality and for providing guidance to visitors climbing the tallest mountains in the world. Out of deep gratitude and appreciation for this tradition of the Sherpa, we seek to emulate this commitment to hospitality and guidance by providing an opportunity for first-time attendees of our 2019 gathering to be guided by seasoned attendees.
Our Gathering Guide Program is designed to be intentionally short in duration. Assigned partners will connect at least once prior to arrival at the Gathering and then at least once daily during the event itself. Partners may find they want to connect more often or even remain connected after the Gathering. We
leave that up to each set of partners.
How does the Gathering Guide Program work?
Both first-time attendees and seasoned attendees (generally anyone who has attended two or more of our previous gatherings) complete a simple application by Wednesday, November 28th. Then no later than Wednesday, December 12th, each applicant will be informed of the name and contact info of their assigned partner. Gathering Guides will then contact their first-time attendee to schedule a time prior to Wednesday, January 23, 2019 to meet via phone or video chat.
What can a first-time attendee expect to get out of the National Gathering Guide Program?
This program is designed to provide first-time attendees with a connection to a seasoned pro who can be expected to: answer most questions they may have (or know where to redirect them); help them figure out which workshops to attend; be a familiar face throughout the Gathering; introduce them to other
members of our community; and check in with them each day.
What can a Gathering Guide expect to get out this program?
We expect that Guides will experience a deep sense of gratitude for being able to share their knowledge with the newest members of our community.
Important Dates
Contact: Matt Williams at matt@skylakecenter.org or 607.467.2750 (office)