A few weeks ago I had the privilege of traveling to London to speak at Andrew Reynold's Entrepreneur Bootcamp 2009.
For the past few years, Andrew has put on an annual event that has dwarfed other marketing events in both size and scope.
This year sought to outdo them all with a massive two-day event at the London O2 Arena.
The place is a massive venue seating up to 20,000 people.
Not only that, but under the circumference of its massive dome is an entire indoor mall. You can find just about every kind of restaurant imaginable within.
Arriving inside the O2
I arrived at the O2 with my brother, Michael (my bagboy for the trip), for a walkthrough the day before the event. It really is an impressive venue. This is the place that Michael Jackson was to have opened his big comeback tour.
With Andrew Reynolds
Upon arrival I had the opportunity to meet with Andrew Reynolds. He is a competely down-to-earn guy and was a pleasure to speak with.
They had presold approximately 7500 seats at £149 each. The upper level of the arena was closed off and the bottom would hold about 8000 people. Andrew had never done anything quite this big, but he was up to the challenge.
One of the things I really admire about Andrew is that he donated over £750,000 that was collected for entry price to the Make A Wish Foundation. Way to go, Andrew!
That is one MASSIVE stage!
With my brother, Michael. Yes, he is two years older.
Wow. Nice digs.
I spoke on day two of the event. In fact, I was the LAST speaker to hit the stage.
I only had 75 minutes to do my entire presentation (I am used to getting about 90 minutes of content in),so I had to talk fast.
It was a great time sharing stories and strategies with approximately 5000 people that were in the arena. And it was a big thrill to be on that stage. I felt a bit like a rock star!
See that little man on the stage? Yup, that's me!
Here is a brief video taken during my presentation.
Thank you to Andrew and the wonderful team at Smyle for putting on such a tremendous event. Thanks also to Michael for making the bloody journey to Britain with me. He got to enjoy the pubs so it was worth it. Thanks to my family or giving me the freedom to follow my passion to speak. And thanks to my team in Colorado that supports me so wonderfully and faithfully!
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
October 19, 2009 02:49 PM
What an awesome opportunity! It's nice to see names that are well known (like yours) still writing/speaking as someone who is awed by what has happened in their life. It gives the rest of us encouragement as well.
October 19, 2009 03:14 PM
It was a "brilliant" trip. Thanks again..
October 19, 2009 03:27 PM
Hi Joel,
I was unable to attend due to work commitments, but my wife was there. She told me that many people left early as they were "seminar'd" out, but she told me that those who left missed the best presentation!
When will you be speaking again in the UK, so I can make sure my J.O.B doesn't get in the way next time?
God bless,
-John Landells.
October 19, 2009 03:46 PM
WOW, what a great job Joel! Proud of you!
October 19, 2009 09:54 PM
I wish I will have the oppotunity of being in this colourful occasion
Well let me just pray for that
Hope God will surely answer my prayer
October 20, 2009 09:19 AM
Joel
I was at the Bootcamp and what a great weekend it was, I got loads of useful tips and tricks from the speakers that I can put into practice. From my point of view it was a shame that you were left for the end as I thought it was one of the better presentations and your package with the iphone app was superb, but a guess a number of people may have missed out as peaked too soon!
My only regret was that I didn't get a chance to speak with you in person so will have to grab you at another event!! All the best
Tom
October 20, 2009 05:30 PM
Joel
Any chance of you posting your play on words, you narated at the begining of your presentation.
Regards
Dave
October 25, 2009 12:57 PM
Hi Joel,
It was an awesome weekend, and I was glad to have heard you speak, well worth waiting for. I learnt a boatload, and have since implemented some of the ideas, the first being to create a blog and monetize it, with the help of video tutorial from your website. I will be extending that to other sites I build as I get more confident. Thanks a lot Joel for reminding me that, after all is said and done, I am the basis for my own success.
Wishing you continued success.
Regards
Tumi
November 2, 2009 10:00 AM
Hello Joel,
Good to hear you enjoyed your trip to the UK. My darling husband and I attended the Bootcamp and Idon't think I ever had to take so many notes ever before but WELL worth it. Like others,I would be most grateful if you could provide the wording to your introductory poem. The top to bottom reading just about reduced me to tears - SO like my experience as a child in terms of maternal 'support'- this isnt a sob story just fact, like many others I am sure. THEN came the reverse reading of the piece. YOU COULD FEEL THE ENERGY IN THE ROOM SOAR! Many thanks for that, in addition to a great presentation during a fantastic, enervating and special weekend.
Regards,
Maxine,UK
November 4, 2009 02:06 PM
Joel,
I was at the O2 and and just had to drop you a reply to say how much I enjoyed your presentation. From your inspiring words, iFart demo and your amazing enthusiasm for fun, you were a very entertaining and informative speaker. It was pleasant change to see a 12year old internet millionaire bouncing across the stage.
P.S. I listen to your presentation and hints and tips while on my way to work. It helps me to focus on my goals.
Well done Joel.
John W (Scotland)