Unlike conferences that focus on making money, the Willow Creek Leadership Summit focuses on inspiring and empowering leaders. Although run by a church, the Summit is widely attended by business people and community leaders who have heard about the amazing speakers and understand the great value this conference provides.
The 17 Summit speakers represented a culturally and racially diverse group of leaders from business, ministry, politics and entertainment including: Willow Creek senior paster Bill Hybels, former British PM Tony Blair, Made to Stick authors Dan Heath and Dave Heath, renowned leader and thinker Gary Hamel, and U2 leader Bono.
Some of the quotes from the conference include:
David Gergen – advisor to 4 presidents: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Wess Stafford – President of Compassion International: “I learned very early on that terrible things can happen when children are second-rate priority.”
Andrew Rugarsira, Ugandan entrepenuer of goodafrican.com: “As an [African] entrepreneur, I don’t want your pity. I want someone to give me market share on the shelves.”
A growing number of people “attend” the Summit each year, with the 2009 estimate being 120,000 people. Since even Willow Creek can’t fit that many people into their beautiful auditorium, 140 satellite locations are set up, with high definition video and audio.
Running a two day event in that many facilities takes hard work and a lot of volunteers, which is another reason the Summit is so great. It gives each hosting site the opportunity to pull together and help create an uplifting experience that affects the lives of people right in their community. It is a great experience to be part of!
As you can see by this photo of volunteers being thanked at Forest City Community Church, the Summit has a vibrant and personal atmosphere. You can see a photo series of their Summit event from start to finish.
It is a wonderful experience to attend the Summit and to help with it. If you have the chance to take part in the Willow Creek Leadership Summit next year I strongly encourage you to give it a try.
The Leadership Summit empowers leaders and energizes volunteers. It is a great event!