“How can we live a remarkable life in a conventional world?” That question defines the fundamental purpose of the World Domination Summit, an annual gathering in Portland, Oregon. The event was created in 2011 by Chris Guillebeau, an entrepreneur and author of the book and blog The Art of Non-Conformity. In June, more than 2,000 people from 30 countries gathered to listen to and learn from one another. According to a statement from organizers, “All the activities and events of World Domination Summit are centered on helping someone determine for themselves what ‘living a remarkable life’ might mean. We don’t tell people what their lives should be or what they should do. We provide opportunities for attendees to hear what other people are doing with their lives.”
In addition to keynotes sessions and social events, that sharing also takes places at attendee-hosted meetups. In June, 140 meetups took place, with 10 to 75 participants each. Some are focused on topics such as health and education, while others are activity-based gatherings to do yoga or go for a run. Organizers encourage attendees to host meetups, and those who are interested can use the event’s mobile app to advertise their gatherings—attendees also R.S.V.P. in the app—and organizers provide best practices on how to make the informal events a success.
The summit begins each year with a Guinness World Record attempt, one of the many activities intended to foster a sense of community among participants. This year more than 600 people ate food from Kind Bars, Voodoo Doughnuts, and Elephant Catering while lounging in 160 beds in Pioneer Courthouse Square in an attempt to set the record for largest breakfast in bed. Afterward, organizers donated all of the beds, mattresses, and sheets to a Portland nonprofit.
More than 100 volunteers comprise the team that produces the summit, which is a not-for-profit, sponsor-free event. All revenue beyond expenses goes to the World Domination Summit Foundation, which has awarded six “Scholarships for Real Life” to date.
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