 |
| Dads & Innovation Panel: (from Left): Matt Schneider, Missy Maher, Bruce Sallan, Jim Silver, Lance Somerfeld |
Editor’s Note: A special thanks to Adam Gertsacov, DadaPalooza, for putting together this post and allowing us to share it (a version of this is cross-posted on his site). We are just getting back from a special, inspirational, and kick-ass weekend spent at the Dad 2.0 Summit in Houston, Texas where several of our NYC Dads Group members had the opportunity to attend. The best part was the people – the camaraderie, networking, and community. So many dads were wearing their feelings on their sleeves sincerely moved by the keynote speakers, blogger spotlights, and panel discussions. And, there’s a stereotype that men (dads) don’t like to express their emotions and feelings. Wish those naysayers were present.
Just wanted to give a group hug and thank all of our panel teammates (pictured above) from Dad 2.0 – we had so much fun working together with you! Huge thanks to Doug and John for putting on such an incredible conference – we are hooked. Lastly, special mention to Jason Greene for helping on so many fronts!
There were so many amazing takeaways (and food for thought) from the Dad 2.0 Summit that we hope to share some it with you over the course of the next few days. First, let’s give you some highlights below: – L.S.
I had a blast in Houston hanging out with dad bloggers of all sorts, chatting about blogs and sponsors and vulnerability and the Superbowl and our kids. As mentioned previously, I was at the second annual 2013 Dad 2.0 Summit (I was also at the first with my wife and son. This time I was flying solo)
In case you don’t know, Dad 2.0 is an annual conference that is an open conversation between dads and brands. Some of the best and most influential Dad bloggers descended on Houston to talk about their work, meet with brands, talk about the changing perception of Fatherhood.) The conference is not a “Best practice for being a dad” conference. (although tips were exchanged) It was about being a better dad blogger, and being more vulnerable.
One of the founders, Doug French, said in the opening remarks was that this was where the Expectations get a little lofty. I think the conference really did a great job of connecting and inspiring all of its participants. I had a few moments that I thought were great, and I’d like to share them.
I’m not going to go over the entire program or provide the play by play – you can get that at the Dad 2.0 Website .
And if you want to find out what other people thought about the conference, look below:
Paul Easter of Dear Mister Man: http://www.dearmisterman.com/wp/2013/02/03/be-simple/
Dave Taylor (Go Fatherhood): http://gofatherhood.com/2013/02/gratitude-for-a-weekend-with-dads-at-the-dad-2-0-summit/
Liz Gumbinner of Mom 101: http://www.mom-101.com/2013/02/youve-come-a-long-way-dads.html
Jason Avant of Pet Cobra: http://petcobra.tumblr.com/
Amy Spreitzer Windsor of Bitchin’ Wives Club: http://
Chris Read of Canadian Dad: http://canadiandad.com/on-comfort-zones-inspiration-and-being-vulnerable-dad2summit/
(I’m sure there are others that we can add to this list (and if you add them in the comments, we’ll add them up here!)
Before I talk about the event itself, I want to say a personal thank you to the sponsors!
 |
| The NYC Dads Group guys get a little famous (with some Photoshop trickery from Dove Men+Care) |
There were lots of events from some of the amazing sponsors (including more Dove Men+Care product than I know what to do with.) Some of this stuff, I didn’t even realize I was supposed to know about!) And Dove Men+Care, as the title sponsor, also gave away free shaves and haircuts, shoe shines, and a chance to play foosball. If you’ve never been shaved by a professional barber– I highly recommend it.
Food and snacks were sponsored by ConAgra, Kraft Cheese, and Got Milk? – there were special smoothies by Jamba Juice, and a whiskey/bourbon tasting and craft beer tasting. Honda test drives, a trunk organizer from Sears, a free smoke alarm from Kidde, and free turtle wax from Turtle wax.
Thanks for all the free schwag. But more importantly, thanks for being in the dad space. Lots of companies probably should be, but are not. YET. I can tell you, I personally respect and think more highly of your brand partially because of your involvement in events like this. (And yes, I like free stuff too. But more importantly, the personal connection.)
MY FAVORITE PARTS OF THE EVENT
 |
| Getting a haircut/shave. |
For me, there were several highlights to the event. I loved all of the panels and Keynotes that I attended, and thought there was a lot of valuable information floating around the air of the Four Seasons Houston Hotel.
•Hanging Out. As a dad and dadblogger, I don’t interact with other dads as much as I would like. I make efforts, but am not always as successful as I would like. This was a good chance to make some strong connections with guys both local and not so local. Having a shave, having a dinner, having a late night conversation– all of it was great.
She’s a funny, amazing speaker, and everything she says has the ring of authenticity about it. I saw her at the Mom 2.0 conference, and was moved and amazed by her then.
You can get her book Daring Greatly from Amazon, or you can just view her TED talk. After you view it, you are going to want to buy the book!
• Whit Honea, reading one of the posts he wrote about his son confusing the word Dump Truck with Dumb Fuck, and the honest love of his child and the great writing that he put into it. “Look at that Dumb Fuck. How come he’s so dirty?” It was hilarious and moving and wonderful to hear.
Follow Whit’s blog: http://www.whithonea.com/
• Jeff Pulver, founder of Vonage and a few other companies, talking about how his loneliness as a child led him to seek out other people around the world as a HAM operator. As he explained it in his keynote, it became clear to me that HAM RADIO was the twitter of the 1970’s. Jeff had lots of bon mots, and he was a great speaker and made lots of great connections.
Find Jeff online: http://pulver.com/jeff/ and http://www.jeffpulver.com
• Gerome Sapp. Former Professional Football Player. I talked to Gerome for some time about his work and about the NFL, and how hard it is for many players to hold onto their wealth. He’s now the founder of http://www.fluencr.com, a company that rewards influencers and gives them the perks that celebrities and athletes used to have all by themselves. Gerome was really smart and on top of it.
I’m looking forward to attending Dad 2.014 when it happens next year!
Adam Gertsacov is an actor, clown, director, and fulltime dad. He wears a lot of hats, including those of a flea circus impresario, a PT Barnum impersonator, a published author, and the esteemed hat of the Clown Laureate of Greenbelt Maryland. He blogs at http://www.dadapalooza.com ,http://www.clownlink.com , and now with the NYC Dads Group. He and his wife are the founders of the Digital Family Summit, a first-of-its-kind annual conference where teens, tweens and their parents connect to learn how to live as a family in the digital world. Find out more athttp://www.digitalfamilysummit.com.
It was great seeing you guys! The Dad 2.0 team really outdid themselves.
Glad I got to see y’all…wish it was for longer!