I attend a lot of conferences and meetings. I have noticed that most people play it safe in these settings. They are reserved—arms crossed and skeptical—or simply distracted, hunched over their smartphone. Precious few take the plunge and play full out.

Several years ago, Robert Smith, Andy Andrews’ manager, paid for Gail and me to attend an internationally renowned motivational conference. Though it only lasted four days, it changed our lives. We still feel the impact today.

Admittedly, I am a conference junkie. Thankfully, attending conferences, discovering new speakers, and raising the visibility of my company is part of my job as CEO of a book publishing and live events business.

But that doesn’t mean I’m not selective. I pass on nine conferences for every one I attend. I can’t attend all of them, but I want to make sure I attend the best, most stimulating ones. That’s why The Chick-fil-A Leadercast is on my short list of can’t-miss events.

I am really excited about our Caribbean Cruise for Creatives on April 2–7, 2011. We still have a few slots available, and I would love for you to join us. At the bottom of this post, I will tell you how to sign up and get the opportunity to pitch your book to Alice Sullivan, a savvy book editor with extensive experience.

The cruise is hosted by Randy Elrod and his wife, Chris, two of my best friends and a true “Christian creative.” What is a creative? Anyone who creates—or wants to create—art. This includes book authors, recording artists, graphic artists, bloggers, worship leaders, photographers, culinary artists, and more.

Last year I attended the Chick-fil-A Leadercast in Atlanta, Georgia. I also had the privilege of hosting the “Backstage Video” program. I interviewed each of the speakers, including Jim Collins, author of Good to Great; Dr. Ben Carson, the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital; and Dan Cathy, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A.

I attended numerous events last year, but this one was in my top three. Why? Because it provided the inspiration and practical how-to information leaders need to take their leadership to the next level.

What if you had 30 minutes to pitch your book idea to me in person? At the bottom of this post, I will tell you how to sign up for this Caribbean Cruise for Creatives and automatically have your name entered into a contest to win the opportunity to pitch your book. But first, watch this video, then continue reading for details.

Randy Elrod is one of my best friends and a true “Christian creative”—someone who loves beauty, creates it, and knows the Source of it. He hosts the annual Recreate Conference, a gathering of Christian creatives, including worship leaders, book authors, recording artists, graphic artists, and bloggers. I have attended now for three years in a row and have loved the experience.

As I have written before, I will be attending the Chick-fil-A Leadercast on May 7, 2010. This is a one-day leadership event that will take place in Atlanta, Georgia and will be broadcast to 500 host locations throughout the country via satellite or internet downlink. They are expecting nearly 70,000 attendees, between the live site in Atlanta and the rest of North America.

A few weeks ago, while attending the Catalyst Conference, I had the opportunity to have breakfast with Dan Cathy, President and COO of Chick-fil-A, and Mark Miller, VP of Training and Development for Chick-fil-A. I experienced first-hand their passion for leadership and for enriching the lives of the people in the the communities where their stores are located.

The National Outreach Convention, November 4–6, 2009, in San Diego, is a conference for leaders interested in outreach and evangelism. It is especially known for its inspirational messages, practical content, and networking opportunities. It also serves as the place to discover new outreach-focused ministries.

I am speaking at The Building Champion’s Experience in Sunriver, Oregon (20 minutes from Bend, Oregon) on September 16–19, 2009. However, even if you are not registered for the event, you can still join me for breakfast—free. I will tell you how in a minute.

Building Champions is the premier coaching company in the U.S. I have used them for more than seven years. They have coached me, several members of my team, and facilitated all of our strategic planning. They know us inside and out and have made a significant difference in the outcomes I have been able to accomplish personally and professionally.

The leadership model is shifting. We are in a transition between what I call Leadership 1.0 and Leadership 2.0. These represent two paradigms or even styles of leading and fall out largely along generational lines.

Baby Boomers represent Leadership 1.0 with it’s hierarchical, top-down pyramid where the bottom line is the bottom line. Millennials present Leadership 2.0 with its relational, flat-world perspective that values transparency, authenticity, and shared outcomes.