Real leaders crave input. They read books and blogs. They listen to podcasts and CDs. And, they attend conferences. Why? Because they know that influence comes from generosity, and generosity is only possible if you have something to share.
One of the best sources I know of for leadership input is Catalyst. They put on some of the best conferences on the planet. I attended their leadership conference last October in Atlanta with about fifteen of my colleagues from Thomas Nelson. It was an awesome experience. I am also speaking at Catalyst West Coast in April. Bottom line: I am a Catalyst fanboy—and proud of it!
What I didn’t know until recently is that Catalyst also puts on a one-day conference called—cleverly—“Catalyst One Day.” It will be held on March 25, 2010 at Willow Creek Church in Chicago.
Catalyst One Day is a leadership experience featuring Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel. These are two of my favorite leaders. (In fact, I recently interviewed Andy about his new book and then reviewed Craig’s new book as well.) I am planning to attend with several of my staff.
I am especially excited about the theme of Momentum. Andy and Craig will discuss the secrets to creating and sustaining it in your organization. This promises to be a day packed with insight from two of the most important authorities on leadership today.
In my view, this is a can’t-miss opportunity for practical leadership application. In addition to their presentations, Andy and Craig will do several Q&A sessions with the audience—always my favorite part of any conference. In addition, I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with other leaders.
While the Catalyst One Day event will be held in four cities in 2010, Chicago is the next one scheduled. Brad Lomenick, the executive director of Catalyst, tells me it is filling up fast. (The Catalyst event this past fall in Atlanta was sold-out.) However, he has made a special discounted rate of $99 available until this Friday, January 29 to my blog readers. Use rate code “MHB” to receive this special rate.
Seating is limited, so register now. You can thank me in person in Chicago. ;-)
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Great post, Michael. I especially love the top quote on generosity. I’ve had the priveledge of writing for Catalyst, but have yet to attend. Sadly, my own tour schedule won’t allow it this time, but I hope to in the future. Thanks! ch:
I hope you can come some time. It is well worth it.
Sounds like a great idea. Save me a seat. I'm registered!
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Awesome. We can sit together!
Catalyst conference literally changed my life. God used Catalyst in ATL for the last 7 years to teach me more about leading, serving and being the church than I had in my whole life previously. 3 years ago after Craig Groeschel spoke one of the most powerful messages ever at the conference God spoke to me clearly to plant a church in our community.
We did so and now are growing a meaningful, relevant church in a small rural town in western North Carolina. We also connected with Craig's church as we became part of the LifeChurch.tv Network which I knew nothing of until I heard Craig at Catalyst.
I am a huge fan of Catalyst and have taken my teams for the last 2 years and took 20 to Catalyst One Day in ATL last year.
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True confession: I have never met Craig. I am really hoping I have the chance at the Catalyst One Day conference.
I've been a big fan of their podcast. Their west coast lab event sounds good and it's only an hour drive up the freeway. Been a big fan of John Ortberg and I'm sure your presentation will be insightful. Gotta see if I can fit it in the schedule.
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I love their podcast and Andy's. Killer content.
CAN'T WAIT for this conference! Andy Stanley & Craig knock my socks off every year at Catalyst.
And I couldn't agree w/ you more, Michael, the Q&A is definitely one of the best parts of the conference. I actually think it would be interesting to spend more time on Q&A, or find a way to refine the Q&A. That, and possibly a conf w/ polite debate & discussion would be interesting as well.
See you at the conference!
Make sure you come up and introduce yourself!
Great reminder to always wear the "learner" hat. Soak in the lessons learned from leaders who have gone before us…Andy Stanley is one of the best! And the comment about generosity really hit home. Thanks for the post…and I am excited to attend the Chicago One Day Event!
The Catalyst One Day events are so much fun. Packed full of great content, music, networking and Q&A. Since it's a smaller learning enviorment you feel like you get to know Andy and Craig personally.
The theme Momentum is applicable for any organization, church or business. Aaron
Yea, I can't wait. This will be my first One Day.
I'm so excited to hear you share at Catalyst West Coast! It's always amazing to hear what you say :)
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I'm excited too! Can't wait to hear you speak on something.
Awesome. I look forward to that, too.
Jesse, you're too sweet. All I am thinking about is learning from those who are going AND attending ;)
If you're there, I'd love to meet you!
Let's connect in Michael's session :)
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I love everything about Catalyst.
Probably my favorite thing about it is all the ideas I am exposed to. So often we are surrounded by people that think the way we do, I love that at Catalyst I am surrounded by people, Christians, who challenge my thinking.
Hoping my boss will let me go to the West Coast event. I bet those folks think really differently. ;)
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Yes, your boss should definitely allow you to attend. ;)
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Yes, your boss should definitely allow you to attend. ;)
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You better get Vicki to register you! Mark (our COO) and Stuart (our CFO) are coming.
I'm a Catalyst junkie. With my husband and ministry partner, I've attended the Atlanta Conference for the past 5 years. Last year I took our college age kids to expand their ideas on leadership and ministry. The Catalyst One Day event sounds exciting and the opportunity to hear you speak is a plus.
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Michael,
I'm subscribing to the Catalyst podcast. Can't believe I missed it for so long. thanks
Dan
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I think Andy Stanley is one of today’s most relevant speakers and I loved Craig’s book IT(that I generously received from you Mike). Just wish they would have a Catayst South Africa.
Question: Are the speakers at Catalyst christian or generally great leaders who excel in their field?
I haven't been before but a good friend has gone to several of the events in Atlanta and I have enjoyed them vicariously through him. After reading your blog tonight I went straight to the Catalyst One Day site and registered for the Chicago event. Great pizza and great information – what a wonderful combination. I hope to meet you there!