Share a Spark
What inspires you? The best gatherings involve more than just receiving ideas from speakers and workshop leaders – every conference attendee has a lot to share.
We're inviting conference attendees to bring something personally or professionally meaningful to give away: a book, a small art piece, a keepsake, or some other inspirational item. Something you've had for years, something you've purchased (modestly priced, please!), or even something you created yourself. Your item should spark inspiration, creativity, or warm memories in a fellow attendee.
How to Participate
1
Bring your item with you to Cincinnati (just one, unwrapped) and attach a note that includes:
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Your name
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A brief note on why you brought this item
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A business card or card with your email address
2
Place it on the Share a Spark table
on the first day of the conference, then choose an item to take home on the final day. Participation is optional but encouraged.
3
Make a connection! If you select an item, we encourage you to reach out to the person who brought it. Send them a quick email. Tell them why their spark spoke to you. That follow-up is where the real magic happens. Share a Spark is about more than exchanging objects – it’s the beginning of a conversation that, with intention, can extend connections you make beyond the conference.
NOTE: Share a Spark is a personal exchange, not a promotional one. We'll have a separate table for brochures, program information, and branded items from your organization, so there's a place for those, too! What we're looking for in a Spark is something with special meaning to you – something that tells a little story about who you are or what moves you.
Share a Spark FAQ
What makes a good Spark?
The best “Sparks” come with a story. Think about something that has genuinely meant something to you, and that you’d be excited to pass along. Past Sparks have included a well-loved book that changed someone's career trajectory, a small plant propagated from a home garden, a handmade bookmark, or a piece of local art from someone's hometown. If it makes you smile when you look at it, it's probably a great Spark.
Does it have to be something I already own?
Not at all! You're welcome to purchase something to share – please just keep it modest in price. The value isn't in what it cost; it's in what it means.
What should NOT go on the Share a Spark table?
This isn’t the place for brochures, branded merchandise, or promotional items from your organization – even well-intentioned ones! We love that you're proud of your work, and we'll have a separate table just for that kind of sharing. The Spark table is for personally meaningful items only.
Do I have to participate?
Nope – it's completely optional. But we think once you see the table, you'll wish you'd brought something!
Any other tips?
Leave your item unwrapped so people can see it, attach a note explaining why you chose it, and tuck in a business card or your email address so whoever takes your Spark home can reach out and tell you why it resonated with them. Extending that connection beyond the conference walls is where the real magic happens!