Summit Flagships are truly one-of-a-kind experiences. Imagine a community like TED fused with the energy of Coachella, the expansiveness of Burning Man, and the creativity of South by Southwest. These gatherings bring together entrepreneurs, artists, activists — or as they say, “the world's most diverse makers and holistic leaders” — to foster connections that lead to collaboration, innovation, and more.
Summit at Sea is particularly unique among flagship events because it takes place on a boat! This means everyone is in close quarters, sharing a campus of learning and experiences, dining, and sleeping.
The attendees will consist of both seasoned Summiters, who have been attending flagships for a decade or more, and newcomers to the community (who do not have a Notion board dedicated to orienting them to what to expect ahead of time!). There's a palpable sense of social opportunity in the air — you'll often notice people eager to say hello and strike up conversations with those around them. Chance encounters are highly valued at Summit, and you'll find most people embracing this culture.
In short, expect friendliness, spontaneous conversations, and a contagious positive energy.
We’d also like you to know that there are various spaces aboard the ship cater to different energy levels. We encourage you to seek out the environments that resonate most with you.
Remember that your Summit experience is what you make of it, but also be aware that it can be socially demanding. You may not be able to discern someone's identity or profession based on appearances or initial interactions, and that kind of openness can be exhausting. It's perfectly okay to take breaks and recharge as needed — in fact, we encourage it.
We hope this is a huge opportunity for you. The potential is limitless. We have found that the best experiences at flagships events happen when a person goes in with an open heart and mind, and remains present and authentic. It may be helpful to this of this as less of a networking opportunity and more of a way to make lasting, meaningful relationships with friends interested in the same kinds of positive change. That said, this is your experience. You're not obligated to engage with anyone unless you choose to, and you’re not expected to show up in any way other than as yourself. Have fun, and know that we’re here to help you navigate interactions whenever that’s useful for you.