Float Conference 2013 – A Blossoming Community

·

I couldn’t give a better review of the conference than Nashville Float’s. Today’s post is my own personal insight on what I got out of the conference.

On more than one occasion Sandra has brought up to me how few times she’s seen me cry. I cried twice at this year’s float conference; both times becoming overwhelmed by the love and sense of community I was experiencing.

First, our presentation…

 

Being on stage with Sandra was an exhilarating experience. This was our first time speaking in front of a large audience, and when I walked out onto the stage I completely blanked. I had forgotten that we had prepared a joke for our first slide and I didn’t set up

The slide that I completely blanked on. If you start a float center, you will grow crazy facial hair.
The slide that I completely blanked on. If you start a float center, you will grow crazy facial hair.

the joke! Sandra saw me blanking and told the joke for me. I took time to look around the auditorium and take in the crowd as Sandra presented her portion of the slides. The audience was dark from the stage, but I could see the silhouettes of several hundred people and in that moment I became aware of my own breathing and was pulled back into my body.

Here I was surrounded by a kind of family, a people of shared vision; and as that realization set in, I became very comfortable and happy to be there. That being said, I messed up a bunch, we went several minutes over time (we easily could have done an all day workshop!) and we simply had a ton of fun on stage.

No tears yet!

Float Shack Crew
The Float Shack Crew

Sandra and I walked off stage, hugged and hugged and hugged and then sat down for a post speech interview (we’re a pretty ridiculous couple, so good luck to the people editing that footage). Afterwards, two Canadian entrepreneurs getting ready to start a business named the Float Shack introduced themselves. I didn’t realize it at first, but I had called them some months ago about a public incident regarding their previous name choice that infringed on another center’s. They received an unfair public attack from the other center and in the middle of the night I saw the attack and called them, leaving a voicemail explaining that the float community is a very positive place and that despite the incident, they are surrounded by people who will help them in any way they can. They brought this up to me and told me how much it meant to them; that during their difficult time this call was a ray of positivity that helped them stay strong. I don’t know how much this call really influenced them, but they sure did seem grateful. And this is when my first set of tears started leaking. The fact that I could positively influence someone like this remind me of the feelings I had experienced during my second float.

My eyes would start misting once again during the second day of the conference. Float On gave a presentation that explained the benefits of working together as a community. It was a very heartwarming speech that was only multiplied by the fact that they talked about the importance of being friends with your competition, and we were that competition… They really walk the walk. I mean, we even gave a presentation at their conference. When their speech ended I wasn’t surprised to see my girlfriend climbing a banister to hug Ashkahn. The confused look on Graham’s face was priceless and it didn’t stop Sandra from bringing him into her arms as well. This started the water works. It was just so beautiful. The woman I love expressing her love and excitement on stage in front of several hundred people to a couple guys who have changed our lives and have been nothing but kind and supportive to us and the float community.

After reading this blog entry I hope you walk away with the idea that putting the community first will not only feel great, and not only help other businesses succeed, but also help your business as well. Helping others will never detract from your own success.

The Portland Float Crew
The Portland Float Crew

Liked it? Take a second to support Art of the Float on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!

10 responses to “Float Conference 2013 – A Blossoming Community”

  1. Graham Avatar

    Dylan, thank you so much for all of the kind words. You and Sandra are wonderful, and it’s been a pleasure to share an industry, a city, and a stage with you.

    You both transmit the same message of collaboration and openness. People already know it’s what they want, sometimes they just need a good examples like the Float Shoppe to give them permission to embrace it.

    Keep up the great work!

    1. Dylan Schmidt Avatar

      Thank you Graham, that means a lot

  2. Amy Grimes Avatar

    First, you and Sandra just rocked your talk and I am hoping each year to hear more from both of you!

    Second, I got misty eyed just reading this! I had my first float 17 years ago, but never knew there was a community of amazing people who loved floating until last year’s float conference.. I have never felt so much at home in my life. And quite frankly, without you, Sandra and the whole Float On gang, we would have never had the opportunity to make our dream a reality.

    You all lead by example and I hope to pay the info, encouragement and support forward. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being your brilliant, beautiful selves.

    1. Dylan Schmidt Avatar

      Thank you, Amy!

      It’s still difficult to believe we could be so influential, but to help in any way is so damn awesome.

      Other wellness industries have had hype, come and gone. It would be great if we could stay organized, united and make sure that we continue to push the industry forward together.

      Good luck on your center!

  3. John Stockton Avatar
    John Stockton

    Hi Dylan, your presentation to the conference was much appreciated. I had driven down from Vancouver,B.C. on the thursday before the conference, and booked a float with your shop. I was warmly received, and thoroughly enjoyed my float, (which definitely helped me recover from my drive!). You both are developing a most welcoming, warm hearted center, and your sharing personalities were very evident both on site and at the conference1 Thank you so much for sharing!
    John Stockton

    1. Dylan Schmidt Avatar

      Thank you John, a warm cozy environment is definitely what we strive for. Do you have a center or are you planning on starting one?

  4. mark Avatar
    mark

    hi Dylan, great read thanks for sharing!

    based in the UK (and also not knowing about the event until afterwards) I didn’t attend, but I think its awesome that there is such a collaborative feel amongst competitors.
    I had my first floating experience nearly 10 years ago, and love every second of every float I have taken. unfortunately there are no float centres near me geographically, which is making me see an opportunity…..
    would you be will to pass on start up help to a potential newbie?

    1. Dylan Schmidt Avatar

      Absolutely Mark! That’s what I’m here for and what a lot of this community wants to help with. Feel free to email me at Dylan@floatShoppe.com or simply post any questions here.

      Also, Floataway float tanks are based out of the UK. I would encourage you to get in contact with them as well. They have a wealth of information and the owners are super friendly.

      1. mark Avatar
        mark

        THANKS DYLAN!
        will email you shortly

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

×