Creating a leading in-person conference as a solo creator
Mar 6, 2025
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Francisco Opazo, Founder of Led by Community, shares his journey from a one-man newsletter to organizing a global community conference, Community Week. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping the event, including securing sponsorships and venue logistics. Francisco emphasizes the importance of community support, grassroots initiatives, and personal growth throughout the process. His insights on effective marketing strategies and building attendee lists provide valuable lessons for solo creators looking to make an impact in their communities.
Francisco Opazo exemplifies how determination and resourcefulness can transform a simple newsletter into a significant global community event.
The Community Everywhere Summit highlights the invaluable role of volunteers in organizing successful events and fostering a collaborative spirit among attendees.
Adapting to challenges, such as financial constraints, demonstrates the importance of strategic planning and technology in event management for community building.
Deep dives
Overcoming Language Barriers
The discussion highlights the personal journey of moving to the UK nine years ago and the challenges faced in learning English. Initially struggling with the language, the speaker appreciates the progress made and emphasizes the value of perseverance in overcoming obstacles. This experience has not only improved their communication skills but has also inspired a desire to help others navigate similar challenges. By sharing this journey, the speaker illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in personal and professional growth.
Creating a Community-Driven Summit
The speaker discusses the creation of the Community Everywhere Summit, which aimed to unite community professionals globally. The event faced financial challenges, as costs outweighed sponsorship contributions, leading to initial funding from personal resources. Despite these difficulties, the summit garnered overwhelming positive feedback, serving as a testament to the effort put into the experience. This initiative not only aimed to increase newsletter subscribers but also fostered a sense of belonging within the community.
The Power of Volunteer Support
With the help of 28 volunteers, the speaker emphasizes the collaborative nature of organizing the summit. Each volunteer contributed to various tasks, from logistical arrangements to participant interactions, making the event possible. The shared commitment and passion of these volunteers highlight the importance of community collaboration in achieving common goals. This teamwork not only alleviates individual responsibilities but also enriches the overall conference experience for attendees.
Building a Sustainable Community Framework
The speaker reflects on the developmental phases of Led by Community, which began as a resource hub for community builders. Over the years, initiatives expanded to include newsletters, online events, and in-person conferences. The decision to diversify offerings stemmed from a desire to elevate the community experience while simultaneously fostering professional growth among participants. This strategic approach illustrates the evolving landscape of community building and the necessity of adapting to meet members' needs.
Innovative Solutions for Conference Management
The speaker shares insights into the tools and strategies used for managing the conference, highlighting the significance of effective planning and marketing. Venue selection, budget management, and audience engagement were key components of the organizing process that needed careful consideration. By leveraging technology, such as event management platforms, the team aimed to streamline operations and enhance communication with attendees. This forward-thinking approach not only facilitated smooth event execution but also strengthened community ties through shared experiences and resources.
This guy bootstrapped a global community conference out of his own pocket. And it worked.Francisco Opazo is stubborn—his words, not mine. And thank goodness for that, because his relentless drive has taken a one-man newsletter and turned it into a global movement for community professionals.In this episode, I take you inside the madness that is Community Week / Community-led World Summit - in-person and online gatherings for community professionals around the world. This is the story of Francisco and how he built it from scratch, fueled by sheer determination, volunteer power, and a whole lot of goodwill.Resources:- Join Community Week: https://www.community-week.com/- Join Led By Community: https://www.ledby.community/- Follow Francisco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankopazo/- Follow Nityesh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nityeshaga/- Magic sauce of more such community creators: https://beginnermaps.com/This episode is brought to you by Curated Connections - the self-driving community software for busy creators. It allows you to run automated networking programs, gamification challenges and member-led events. Check it out at https://curatedconnections.io/Chapters:00:00 Intro02:54 The Journey of Lead by Community04:34 From Digital Agency to BuddyBoss10:38 Joining Circle and Expanding Horizons18:41 Launching the online summit21:52 Challenges and Triumphs of Organizing a Conference32:13 Securing venue for conference34:58 #1 Strategy to build an attendee list40:20 Marketing strategy46:51 Building a Volunteer Team47:55 Conference Structure and Tracks49:54 Budgeting and Financial Challenges51:10 Community Support and Ecosystem01:00:25 Sponsor pitch deck walkthrough01:12:06 Tools01:16:39 The Future: Community Week
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