Have you ever walked into a room of 400 people and felt right at home?
Ha.
Me neither.
But the closest I get is entering a room full of professional organizers.
This year, I’ve attended two conferences for professional organizers — the NAPO Summit and the How To Summit.
The common ground between the two (and the part that I find most important!) is the incredible people.
As a general rule of thumb — professional organizers are the best. I call the industry “the helpers of the world” because each and every one of them genuinely want to help their clients improve and simplify their lives.
I thought I’d share my experience at both events to give you some behind-the-scenes knowledge if you’re considering attending either.
NAPO Summit
As a former professional organizer and NAPO member (a looong time ago), I was especially looking forward to attending my first NAPO conference.
Now that I’m a NAPO National Business partner, I dove head first and become an event sponsor, too.
It was my first time setting up an expo table for my business — and I loved it. It finally allowed me to record one of those super cool time-lapse videos that organizers always do. 😆
In a world of Zoom meetings and digital marketing, it was a massive breath of fresh air to meet so many people in person who I’d connected with online. And though I consider myself an introvert, I was giddy the entire weekend, surrounded by these incredible professionals. I had so many great conversations and had a ton of fun running a booth.












NAPO’s event was all under one roof, which was pretty convenient. I didn’t have to rent a car, and it was easier to connect with others at the conference because most of us were staying in the same hotel.
I spent more time at my table than inside the education sessions, but that’s where I met so many great new people.
After the event, I felt more connected, inspired, and upbeat.
How To: Summit
Brandie + Ryan from Home+Sort sure know how to put on an event. The How To: Summit is high energy and full of fun. From colorful branded balloon arches to tasty candy popcorn snacks, there’s never a dull moment.




But, as with the NAPO event, the absolute best part for me is always the people. Brandie and Ryan are approachable and kind, making attendees feel seen and taken care of at every moment.
The conversations between the main stage events are filled with laughter, tears, and deep conversations — bonding over business AND life.





This year was my second time attending the How To: Summit. And while I loved my first year (enough to go again!), they really stepped it up a notch this year with the education.
There was a good balance between main stage talks for inspiration and motivation and small group workshops for a deeper dive. I was torn between wanting to attend all the incredible sessions and hanging out at my booth to meet new friends!
One of the sessions I attended was Corinne Morahan’s talk on money.


I’ve worked closely with Corinne in the past as one of the speakers for my annual Business Simplicity Summit™ (more on that another day), so I already knew how great her speaking abilities were. Still, her ability to cut straight to the chase about money was just what I needed.
A couple of my favorite quotes from the entire weekend came directly from Corinne. First, she said, “Put your money pants on,” — a well put reminder that sometimes we just need to get down to business.
Then, she cracked us all up with this simple statement, “A great way to feel like you’re making more money is to spend less of it.” (Which made me think of the hilarious SNL skit, “Don’t buy stuff you can’t afford.” Watch if you want a good laugh.)
Simple and straightforward is sometimes best, don’t you think?
I was sad when the event was over, and like most attendees, I can’t wait for next year.
We Have More In Common Than Not
With all the differences in the world that tend to distract us, it’s how we’re similar that brings us together.
That human connection we all feel when we’re put in a room and find all the ways we RELATE.
Take away the fancy things or idyllic places, and what’s left?
The people.
It’s always about the people.
After attending both events, I’m reminded (once again!) how we all have so much more in common than we realize.
🩷 Confessions of imposter syndrome from daring, touching leaders in the industry.
🩷 Stories of navigating mental health challenges and family struggles.
🩷 Tales of beginning a business with the spare change in your pocket and growing it beyond your wildest dreams.
It’s no accident that this happens when we come together under one roof.
Human connection is truly and utterly what it is ALL about.
And when you put that first in your business messaging, practices, AND life, it leads to more fulfillment — and money.
I’ve seen it time and time again when writing for clients. When we lean into the messaging that their readers RELATE and CONNECT to, things begin to click into place.
But how do you do that? How do you begin?
Find what stirs you up and add THAT to your business messaging strategy. Words can deepen your connection with others — and make you more money.
Follow along for new blog posts, and we’ll dive deeper into the HOW — together.