What can be said about Big Omaha that hasn’t already been tweeted by its 600-plus attendees?

 

For the past two days I have wrapped myself in the fourth annual Big Omaha. It’s a conference I am proud to attend and have done so since its inaugural event back in 2009. Big Omaha is easy to describe: an exciting conference on entrepreneurship and innovation held on the plains of the Silicon Prairie.

 

Creatives from around the country – and this year, the world – flocked to our fair city for inspiration on innovation.

 

In its early days, Big Omaha attracted a largely tech audience.

 

But that, I have noticed, has changed.

 

Creatives of all backgrounds, all walks of life, now find a sort of nourishment that many say is unlike any other event they have attended.

 

I find myself creatively re-charged following each Big Omaha, and today is no exception. The number of people I met and connected with only continues to climb as our conversations that began face-to-face move to Twitter, Facebook, and email.

 

My mind spins and whirls at the passing conversations that occurred organically during session breaks, at lunch, and even in moments before the lights dimmed for the next speaker.

 

Earlier today while listening to our afternoon slate of presenters, I realized that Big Omaha is akin to “The Wizard of Oz.”

 

 

But Big Omaha can also be hard to explain to those who have not attended. It features a fantastic lineup of speakers, an art installation, opening parties, closing parties, and networking opportunities that rival larger conferences.

 

You see, Omaha is a special place. And Big Omaha is a reflection of that.

 

During the past few days I have had outsiders ask me what makes Omaha so special. True, it begins with the people here; however, it is more about the relationships we create, the businesses we build, the projects we develop, and the pride that we all share.

 

Earlier today while listening to our afternoon slate of presenters, I realized that Big Omaha is akin to “The Wizard of Oz.”

 

You remember what Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion wanted most, don’t you?

 

A brain. A heart. And some courage.

 

Big Omaha offers attendees that – and so much more – year after year.

 

A brain, to develop ideas and think through the tough stuff.

 

A heart, so as never to forget the “why” of one’s work.

 

And some courage, to take the leap and live one’s passion.

 

The past forty-eight hours have flown by in a instant, yet so many ideas and lessons are just at the cusp of becoming something bigger.

 

For those of you who attended Big Omaha this year, take time to reflect on what you have learned and courageously embrace what comes next.

 

Be fearless in your passion and find support from those around you.

 

And above all else, know that the countdown to Big Omaha 2013 has already begun.

 

What say you? What lessons did you learn at Big Omaha this year? What inspired you? Motivated you? Made you want to do better?