#BIL2015

I had an amazing weekend and I am going to tell you all about it. March 21 and 22, 2015, the BIL Conference, or un-conference, was held at the Imperial Theatre at 319 Main Street. I was a volunteer and a speaker.

The doors opened at 8:00 am on Saturday and, of  course, some things still needed to be done. That's the fun of it all, isn't it? I know some people would have preferred things be better organized - you know who you are - but to me a little chaos makes life more interesting. Too much structure seems so unnatural.


Things got under way. Jonah Spear was the emcee and what an awesome job he did. Watching him in action was worth coming to the show. But he wouldn't have had much to do if BIL hadn't had the great line up of speakers it did. And the topics ranged from how to make your tweets better, to seeing garbage in different light, to bitcoin to a talk about 3D printing. There were political and health discussions. Dave Asprey of the Bulletproof movement spoke about Hacking Your Willpower. There was free Bulletproof coffee for both days AND Dave was there on Saturday for a little while signing books and talking to people. Yes, I got my copy.

There were three areas where people could speak - the main stage on which talks were set by the head organizers, the second area, which was smaller room that sat, I think, about sixty to eight people then a lounge area that perfect for round table discussions. In all three areas, visuals were possible. In areas two and three, the speakers had to bring their own computer and most people did. 

Things got a bit behind on Sunday. Slow starting, I guess but everything came together in the end. I was there at 7:03 am for set up and I was the only volunteer there for about 45 minutes. I was beginning to worry that I would be the only one setting everything up until Drew appeared. Then Nena then more.  Sundays.

I spoke both days. My Saturday speech went well, I had friends and family show up to cheer me on. But I wasn't able to get it recorded, which I need for promotional purposes. So I booked area 2 on Sunday. (I was in Area 2 on Saturday too.) Sunday's speech went really well and I'll let you when the video is available to be viewed.

It was a wild weekend. I slept most of Monday. MS does kick my butt sometimes. However, I would do it all over again. In fact, I will be next year.

TED Talks has committed to another five years in Vancouver, which means BIL will be here for at least that long. BIL is an experience that everyone should enjoy. It isn't about selling things, it is about getting people together, opening minds and getting people talking and thinking. You don't have to agree with everything that is being said. You can also pick and choose who you want to hear. You kind of have to since there are so many talks.

If you are in Vancouver, the area or even planning a trip to the city in 2016, come to BIL and meet us BILders. The next Vancouver BIL will be on February 20 and 21, 2016 at the Imperial Theatre, 319 Main Street. At least that's the way it looks now.

I have a lot of people to thank: Michael Cummings, Ryan Plesko, Cody Marx Bailey (thanks Cody for helping me to download my video from last year) and Bradley Shende. These are the guys that brought BIL to Vancouver. Thanks to Suresh Fernando, Drew MacDonald, Kristin Piljay, Kei Baritugo, Agnes Cariboo, Jackson Smith, Cindy Bolf - who came up from Los Angeles not only to speak but to help - Luke Cockerham, Lani Gelara, Michael Rubins (thanks for taping me and covering the event on Sunday) and Nena, Jane, Z, Liz, Gordon, Greg, Daniel, George, Alex, and Susan. Thanks Ricky for taking all the photos. And a great big thank you to Rama, Clint, Dolan, Jordan and all involved with The Soul Network for coming to BIL.

I think I thanked everyone. If I forgot your name, it was not intentional and I do thank you.

Thanks to Free Smileys for the above animation.

I hope you find the beauty around you.