On Tuesday (08-05-2012) I attended the annual Net Prophet conference and, I must say, it was amazing. It was an all-new experience for me and I enjoyed every minute of it. When I first heard about it, it sounded like it would be a formal event for business people and I thought the atmosphere there would be tense. However it turned out to be, almost entirely, quite the opposite. Everyone there seemed to be relaxed/comfortable and it was more of a casual event (for business people nonetheless).
Each speaker at the event had their own unique way of capturing the crowd (some more effectively than others), but they were all terrific. I was privileged enough to get a seat which was fairly close to the front, so in my opinion, I got a “real feel” of the way each speaker presented themselves. As I sat and watched I remember thinking, “they (the speakers) make it look so easy to be up there; I’m sure that I could also go up and just start talking,” I realize now that I was a bit off. I’m not putting myself down or lacking confidence but truth be told; even the best of speakers get nervous at times. One of the gentlemen, who spoke quite well (if I may add), commented on that being a big crowd. So I think it is safe to establish that if you want to be a great speaker you have to present yourself with confidence, despite being nervous.
For me, one of the more exciting parts of the event was the three minute presentation. Basically each candidate (or in one case a team of two), was given an opportunity to present and promote their business concept, but the trick was that they had to do it in under three minutes. Initially the audience was going to count down the time as it got closer to the end, but, every presentation was executed very well with much time to spare. It was interesting to see how creative people can be, in presenting an idea, when they have such a little time.
I must add that the food was delicious and plentiful (over enough for everyone). The staff members there were very friendly and sociable, from those who were greeting at the door to the ones who were overseeing the event, they all seemed to be enjoying their job. All in all, the entire event was well put together, informative and without a doubt it will be nothing short of memorable. My thanks go to RLabs, for affording me this opportunity. 
