For the past two years, when I come back from the Misfit Conference, the universe starts aligning to bring about large and small changes. For the rest of the year I find myself recounting my experiences at Misfit to other non Misfits. Some are interested but I am sure there are a few that make me feel like Michelle (The Band Geek) in the american movie classic American Pie chatting about that one time at band camp.

It gives me the opportunity to absorb the greatness of the folks that are around me during the conference. I enjoy the fact that I get to spend time with them in Fargo, the coolest town I have visited up North.

Why Fargo?

Each year that I mention my trip to Fargo people ask me, “Why Fargo?” I could spend days mentioning all the great experiences I have had in Fargo during the three misfit conferences. This year AJ and Melissa Leon decided not to create a website for the event.

One of the many reasons for not having a website is that Misfit Con is so planned that they even curate attendees. For the second Misfit Con AJ and Melissa opened up the conference to others.

The result was the whole Misfit Team going through 4,000 applications. They decided to keep the event at no more than 150 people. Misfit Con is a gathering of those who might be distant geographically, but with similarities in the way we act and think.

Over the past three years Misfit Conference has been a gathering of the most interesting people. From an Irish Blacksmith, to a Moccasin Shoe maker, one of the lost boys of South Sudan now turned international musician, Potters, Photographers, World Record Holders, and a list of many people changing their communities and the world.

This year, I flew into Chicago then I drove with my family to Fargo, North Dakota and then drove back.

This gives me the opportunity to get ready for the conference. I also experience a bit of the Midwest where we’ve made it a tradition to stop in our favorite Vegan friendly burger place A.J. Bombers. This year the highlight of our road trip was meeting long time, online friend, Jim Raffel.

The Positive Vibes of Fargo

Arriving in Fargo is always something exciting. Details of the conference are usually kept secret until you are ready to experience it. I can spend days detailing everything we experienced.

My friend Cebo Campbell described it best in his post “The Wonder of MisfitCon 2015”. If you weren’t there you would not be able to understand what we all experienced.

Getting a text letting you know what is next and where to meet is something unique. Having a guessing game with your fellow Misfits adds to the fun. The Misfit team sent out text messages of what the attendees had to do next.

The first night we were getting on a coach bus to an undisclosed location where the Red River of the North was flowing and encountering the most amazing Tree House after walking on a dirt road.

We had drinks, food, and hugged awesome people. We listened to great music and a bonfire warmed us up. The night ended with me with my daughter on my shoulders, while I walked with brilliant friends under the stars in North Dakota.

The first day of the conference had a similar format to previous years. My friend, Jeff Pulver, was talking about his first Social Network (HAM Radio). Jeff and the other speakers shared intimate details of their life, leaving a bit of themselves with the audience.

The first day ended and we meet in front of the Billboard on the main strip like the first night. School buses grabbed us and took us to an abandoned school. The Misfits had taken over school and it was a night to remember. Once again we had amazing drinks, delicious food, painters, break dancers, Mirko’s Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, vegan hot dogs and more.

The Opportunities are with the People you Meet

In summary, throughout the entire conference there was one thing standing out; a spirit of creation from the culinary arts, mixology, paintings, street art, and tiny houses.

More importantly it is a place where the opportunities to connect and get to know others, is the main purpose of the conference.

One thing I will promise, if you decide to join us at the next Misfit Conference, you will do some crying.

Hopefully you will also leave with a different and much better perception of the world.

Being a Misfit is Hard

I found finally found a group of people who are a critical part of my life and support me even when many think I am out of my mind.

Like my friend Erik Proulx mentions being a Misfit is Hard.

Thank You MISFITS

The great thing is that being a Misfit keeps you from feeling lonely; you feel supported and courageous and ready to conquer your next challenge.

Thanks AJ and Melissa.

MisfitCon 2015 Photos

My Experience Captured Through Images. Special thanks to Jesse Hoorelbeke from J. Alan Paul Photography for sharing his equipment and pricey lens.

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