DevelopU Conference, March 3 & 4, 2017
“Helping people live more authentic, inspired, and successful lives” is Annette Gregg’s mission. “It’s the value that underpins my every interaction, whether it’s leading a team, training, or speaking,” said Gregg, the award-winning transformation consultant behind Difference Makers Consulting.
This summer, she collaborated with SDSU Global Campus to create DevelopU, an interactive two-day conference where attendees learned how to leverage their natural strengths and preferences to attain their dream job, next promotion, or any life goal. Thus the conference tagline: “Thrive Professionally, Personally, Permanently.”
Held at SDSU Global Campus, DevelopU took place on Friday, June 17 — starting at 6 pm so that working professionals could attend — and all-day Saturday, June 18.
“One of the most powerful aspects of the conference was the diverse audience,” said Gregg “From new college graduates to retirees, from longtime executives to stay-at home-moms, everyone seemed to find something they could learn from and relate to, to move them on to their next step.” By all definitions, the conference was a hit with attendees. Testimonials from a survey included:
“This conference was by far the most helpful I’ve attended in my career. I took away several concrete action steps that I can apply to both my professional life and my personal life, as well.”
“Everything I learned, I will carry for the rest of my life. I will keep this tool kit in my pocket forever and inspire others to do the same. This conference has set the bar so high for other conferences, nothing can compete. I had no idea what I was really getting into but this was definitely more than I expected. WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT!”
“As the conference organizer, I was thrilled to find that the participants were pleasantly surprised with what they learned,” said Gregg. “They came into the conference thinking it was a traditional work-skill development course but walked away with so much more. The emphasis on personal accountability and soft-skill development, as well as real-time exercises and immediate tools they could walk away with, resonated with the audience.”
What Attendees Said
“This was an amazing experience. I loved every minute of it. Thank you and keep doing these workshops!”
“This was money well spent.”
“Ms. Gregg’s enthusiasm, facilitation skills, and passion
for the subject matter were the same hour one as they were hour nine. A Wonder-Woman type feat!”
“It was amazing and I am forever changed.”
Gregg facilitated “essential skills” sessions on emotional intelligence, time management, written and verbal communication, intellectual curiosity, and managing change. The experts in their field led hands-on breakout sessions in Effective Résumés and Interviewing Skills, Creating a Powerful LinkedIn Profile, Being Your Own Boss: Becoming a Consultant and Getting Your Finances in Order.
One attendee noted, “Adding a module on finances was an excellent way to round out the workshop content. Too often, people are uncomfortable talking about finances, and as a result, don’t understand important information that impacts their financial decisions.”
Which is exactly why Gregg made sure this critical topic was addressed. “It’s hard to advance professionally if your personal finances are in chaos,” she said. The 2017 DevelopU Conference is already set for Friday, March 3, and Saturday, March 4 at AMN Healthcare Conference Center in Carmel Valley.
“If you’ve been passed over for a promotion more than once; if you’ve been in the same position for too long but don’t know how to get out of it; or you’re looking to choose a new career path altogether, then this conference is for you,” said Gregg.
So what is the key to living authentically, from an expert on helping people live more authentic lives? “I think the key is to have confidence that your circumstances do not dictate your worth,” said Gregg. “There are plenty of times in life when we’ll be knocked off our game, but if we know who we are at the core, what we stand for, and that we are still worthy, then we’ll have the courage to show up authentically and realize that the ups and downs of life are part of the journey of making us more whole-hearted people.”
DevelopU Conference
March 3 & 4, 2017
Cost: $199, lunch included.
Register at NeverStopLearning.net/developu.
For more information, email annette@DifferenceMakersConsulting.com or call (619) 594-2517.
