The BIG Dream Gathering is coming to Drake on Sept. 6, 6:30–8 p.m., in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall. The BIG Dream Gathering (BDG) is a fun and inspiring event that helps individuals become clear on their dreams and goals—and gives them the boost they need to make them a reality. It starts with a hilarious and powerful keynote address by the BDG’s co-founder, Mitch Matthews. Then you’ll have the unique experience of getting to dream big together in a safe, fun, and powerful way. The first people to arrive will also receive a FREE copy of Mitch’s best-selling book, IGNITE! Registration is walk-in only, 6:15–6:30 p.m., the evening of the event. This engaging networking event is open to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the general public. Please plan to attend and encourage friends, family, and students to attend as well.
Frequently asked questions about the BIG Dream Gathering on campuses:
How does it work?
First, you are given a dreamer number so you can post your dreams and goals anonymously. Then Mitch kicks it off with a 40-minute talk about the fun and inspirational story behind the BIG Dream Gathering. Plus, he shares some powerful principles that will help you to get clear on your dreams and achieve them. Then everyone gets to post their dreams and encourage other dreamers. Afterward, you will get your dream sheets back so you can go after those dreams and achieve them.
What can happen?
For a lot of people, the BIG Dream Gathering is the first time they have really thought of their big dreams and goals. Plus, it’s an incredibly powerful experience to write those dreams down and be able to post them anonymously. It’s like you’re getting to draw a line in the sand and take a stand for your dreams. Then the connections start to happen. These gatherings have helped people to find dream internships and jobs, launch businesses, run marathons, start nonprofits, make movies, write books, and drive monster trucks (yeah… we said monster trucks), and the list goes on and on!
What are some of the craziest stories?
You just never know what is going to happen when you get a group of people together for the express purpose of thinking about their big dreams and helping each other to achieve them. We’ve had everything from a college senior get help connecting with her dream job at Pixar, to a student with a passion for photography score a mentor who was a Pulitzer-Prize–winning photographer. We’ve had a junior with an idea for a nonprofit get the funding he needed to get things started, all the way to a senior who wanted to learn how to sail competitively be given a sail boat by a successful alumnus! Again, it’s always amazing to see what happens when people come together to dream big!
What do people learn?
- The power and importance of dreaming big
- Strategies for clarifying and achieving those dreams
- Powerful and applicable networking skills
Where should I park?
Parking will be available to the public in Lot 1 (East of the Fine Arts Center). A shuttle will run 5:30–6:30 p.m. and 8–9 p.m.
—Chrystal Stanley, Director of Professional & Career Development Services