About halfway into my drive to Omaha last Wednesday for Big Omaha, I realized that I was in the car with two fellow Des Moines residents who were, as Big Omaha MC David Hauser affectionately called them, “Big Omaha Virgins.” Inevitably, the simple question arose: “What is Big Omaha?” As an attendee of last year’s event, I’ve been asked that many times. I’ve also heard numerous other people answer that question, and each answer has been different.

So, I put it out to the twitterverse: “Tell me in 140 what @BigOmaha is or means to you.”

Here are a few of the responses:

Jordan Johnson – @jordanjohnson23: @BigOmaha is a place where I can realize my hobby is actually a passion that I can turn into something bigger.

Annie Sorensen – @anniesorensen: personal, inspiring, thought-provoking, honest, actionable…and crazy. 🙂 #BigOmaha

Aaron Hoffman – @aaron_hoffman: #BigOmaha the people make the event. Speakers and attendees.

Carol Zuegner – @czuegner: #bigomaha means inspiration and ideas and the impetus to take risks and be bold.

Nate Custard – @natecustard: It represents a progressive movement in our state that often gets overshadowed by conservatism.

Brian Wetjen – @wetchman: #BigOmaha is a mental spark plug. Ideas and inspiration for people who believe they can make things happen.

Christian Renaud – @xianrenaud: “Being among the non-linear tribe” (with and without snarky side-comments on twitter)

Shannon Thomas – @inkandearnest: #bigomaha represents a shot in the arm – it’s a catalyst that gives you the confidence to do what you believe.

Tiffany Hamil – @tifferh07: way less than 140 – opportunity

HornIT – @hornit: #BigOmaha means validity for intelligent work and activity in the Heartland. Recognition for something other than Agriculture!

And finally, my take on what Big Omaha is in 140 or less: Big Omaha is a Midwest version of TED, focused on entrepreneurship and building a stronger community.