Over two days, a group of inspirational speakers took the stage at KANEKO (above), an artist’s creative center in Omaha’s Old Market district.
In what has become somewhat of a post-Big Omaha ritual, I’m camped out in the back of a local coffee house attempting to start processing what has taken place over the last week.
I know much has already been said and shared, and it will take me a few more days (and coffees) to fully and truly comprehend everything that took place, but I wanted to write down a few of my initial thoughts, reflecting on the experience and giving recognition to the individuals and companies involved.
Thanks to our sponsor
Big Omaha 2012 was an event of continued excitement. There was a sense of wonder and surprise for everything that took place, and so far the consensus is that magic happened.
Each and every one of our amazing speakers brought something different to the stage, and our emcee, Antonio Neves, added something special throughout. His spirit, energy and emotion make me shiver. The man brought out his entire heart and soul, and we expect years of collaboration ahead.
The artists and DJ Tres Johnson added their passion and signature to make the event more than “just a conference.” Hundreds of veteran Big Omaha attendees joined first-timers in forming bonds and relationships that will last for years to come.
Our premier sponsor, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, along with our major sponsors, Microsoft BizSpark and CoSentry, and many other sponsors, provided amazing support to help make this year even bigger. And we can’t say enough about the wonderful work of our friends at Malone & Company, our still and motion content partner, Oxide Design, our design partners, and KANEKO, our venue partner.
Big Omaha is the amazing energy of some of the nation’s most heartfelt hustlers, builders, social entrepreneurs, change agents, doers and people who are a part of making things happen.
In years past, I’ve found myself in a lull while processing the events that took place, while this year I feel a renewed sense of energy and a new sense of curiosity as to what’s just around the corner for the community. That community continues to grow, as well, evident by the number of folks who came in from cities where maybe only a handful or so had attended in the past.
Many opportunities lie in front of us. The challenge now is to take the energy, motivation, friendships and inspiration and do something with them. Don’t simply let them pass until we meet again at Big Omaha 2013. Push forward on making something amazing happen, and know you have the entire Big Omaha community behind you as it collectively pushes forward to new levels.
On behalf of the Silicon Prairie News team, thank you for making this last week amazing. I’m continually blown away by what takes place each May, and it’s all because of the part that each and every one of you play in making Big Omaha more than another event. It’s something special that we’ve all had a chance to be a part of, and know that though the ways in which we’ll learn and build from Big Omaha 2012 are unknown, there’s more magic yet to happen.
Credits: Photo by Malone & Company / Big Omaha
