The Positive Activity Experience at Cre8tiveCon 2026
More Than a Conference, An Experience
Some conferences inform you, some energize you, some connect you. Then there are the rare ones that remind you how powerful hospitality, intention, and positivity can be when they all come together. That was my experience at Cre8tiveCon 2026.
From the moment I arrived, Julie, Dom, and their team created something special. The tone was warm, the content was sharp, and the people were engaged. It wasn’t just a show; it was an experience, and you could feel the intention behind it.
The venue, the stunning InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, set the stage beautifully.
Now here’s where the story gets interesting.
When Plans Change, Character Shows
Mother Nature had other plans for those of us heading back to the Northeast. Flights were cancelled, and schedules changed. Instead of rushing home, we bunked in for a few extra nights. And here’s the thing, the hotel team didn’t just accommodate us, they embraced us. They graciously extended the group rate. They made it easy, calm, and human. That’s hospitality.
Positive Activity in Action
I set up shop at Starbucks in the mornings, worked comfortably from my room, and kept my rhythm going. Positive Activity in action: adapt, adjust, move forward.
Movement, Balance, and Intention
For my health routine, I found a nearby CorePower Yoga studio, which provided the perfect reset. Right next door was Smoothie Bowls, and just beyond that, Sweetgreen. These were healthy options, within easy walking distance incorporating movement, productivity and balance.
Jazz, Joy, and Unexpected Connections
Then one evening, magic... Andy's Jazz Club! Fantastic jazz. The kind that makes you close your eyes and just smile. We need one of these in Boston. Honestly, every major city should have a place like Andy’s, intimate, authentic, alive.
I also had the joy of reconnecting with an old friend’s son and sharing a wonderful evening with Mark in a Boston bar, ironically in the suburbs of Chicago. Life has a sense of humor.
The Doorman Who Gets It
Here was the
true
highlight...
Will.
Will, the doorman at the InterContinental is the poster child for BarTips.
I’d ask:
“Best place for a brisk walk?”
“Where can I watch the USA Girls Hockey game at a good Irish pub?”
“Where’s the best jazz tonight?”
Will didn’t just give directions; he gave recommendations with confidence, enthusiasm, and a big smile. He just gets it.
✔️ Anticipate needs.
✔️ Offer solutions.
✔️ Be present.
✔️ Be positive.
✔️ Represent your brand like it’s your own.
The Hospitality Advantage Is Real
I’m writing this at 0 Dark Thirty at O'Hare International Airport, reflecting on what was supposed to be a quick trip that turned into something much richer.
So thank you:
✨ Julie
✨ Dom
✨ The entire Cre8tiveCon team
✨ The CorePower Yoga teachers
✨ The musicians at Andy’s
✨ My newly adopted little sister, Kerry Brett
✨ And especially you, Will
You are exactly who I had in mind when I wrote BarTips, and here’s the exciting part. This experience confirmed something for me. The Hospitality Advantage is real, measurable, transferable, and needed now more than ever.
I’m excited to announce that an upcoming book release will take this concept to another level.
More to follow.
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