PRS Brand Camp: Community, Authenticity and Purpose

It’s true…I needed a mini vacation.  I know what you’re thinking- you’re wondering which beach I headed off to in search of a view and tall, frozen drink.  But you’re wrong.  When I thought of how I wanted to use a few days of vacation, my first thought was to head to PRS Brand Camp in Dallas, Texas.   After all, even adults can use summer camp.

Brainchild of Joni Doolin, CEO of PeopleReport/ Black Box and Wally Doolin, Chairman of PeopleReport/ Black Box, Summer Brand Camp is one of the best events I have ever attended.  Touted as the intersection of consumer and employer branding, this event brings together service sector business people from HR, Operations and Marketing.  In just a few short days, you quickly solidify the notion that the ways that the various groups tie together is the key to really successful business strategy and outcomes.

Community

The first thing you’ll hear from every past attendee is how fun it is.  It’s true- you can go to a learning event and truly have fun getting to know your fellow attendees.  I was immediately thrown into a scavenger hunt where I met people from various companies.  My favorite was Nick Sarillo, CEO of Nick’s Pizza & Pub.  I’ll tell you more about Nick in a future post.  Suffice to say I’ve learned more from him than anyone else in a LONG time.  I just finished his book A Slice of the Pie: How to Build a Big Little Business.

I took silly Instagrams, I waded barefoot in a fountain, I crammed into a tent with a bunch of fun people.  It was amazing.  By the end of the first night, I had a whole new group of friends.  There is also a talent show (which was completely amazing!) and volunteer time to help several charities.  All great ways to get to know your fellow campers!

Authenticity

What you may not know is how much learning goes on at PRS Brand Camp.  I learned so much that I’ll have to write several posts to detail it all. Suffice to say that I walked away far more versed in labor relations, communications, culture, financial strategy and purpose.  Even I got in on the action when I co-presented with Julie Moreland from PeopleMatter.  More to come on our session later.

Purpose

One quote from Joni really stood out to me at the beginning of the event:

“Purpose driven employees are engaged.” ~ Joni Doolin

I don’t think there needs to be more said other than every moment I spent at this event was living, breathing purpose.  Thank you to Joni for inviting me to speak and to William Tincup for suggesting it.  I had an amazing time and encourage everyone to attend next June.