#et12

I’ll just leave this here...

Connie is 12 yrs old???!!!!

IM SO SORRY!!

Now that Connections 2012 is behind us, the Orange Levels in Indianapolis have returned to normal, and the best and brightest marketers in the world are back at their desks - inspired by last week’s events – reflection seems appropriate. Sure, many have crafted excellent posts about the “lessons” or “takeaways” from Connections 2012 (including Jay Baer, Jim Cota and Andre Bourque), particularly as they relate to Michael J. Fox’s remarkable keynote. In fact, please take a few minutes to read them. They’re worth it. But this is the post you haven’t seen, and likely one you won’t see anywhere else. That’s because this story has nothing to do with keynote addresses, marketing case studies, software innovation & product announcements, breakout sessions, concerts, or parties – all of which were amazing, by the way. This story runs deeper than all those things and is central to what makes ExactTarget’s annual conference potentially unforgettable and life-changing for those who choose to make it so. To quickly set the stage, the theme for Connections 2012 was “Inspire the Future” and was highlighted by a moving keynote address from Michael J. Fox, notably of “Back to the Future” trilogy fame. Perhaps the most consistent buzz and attention at Connections, however, centered around the hand-crafted 1982 DeLorean Time Machine featured in the 1985 blockbuster film (and subsequent sequels) located in the first-floor Partner Hub.  The vehicle is impressive and came complete with a 1.21 gigawatt flux capacitor, operational time circuits (dashboard) and a Mattel Hoverboard positioned on the front seat. No detail was left untended. It was a magnet for photo opportunities and excited curiosity. The physical machine fascinated attendees, but as is my nature, I was more curious about the story behind it. I struck up a conversation with Oliver and Terry Holler, the couple responsible for dreaming up and assembling the stainless steel beauty. Our conversation started innocently enough. I asked what made them decide to build it. Terry told me, “We both have a theatrical background.” That was a logical answer, so we moved on. As I learned later, they operated an interactive history attraction “Ghosts and Legends” in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for many years. Creativity and craftsmanship are their passion. We continued talking about their involvement with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and then about Michael’s keynote address. It was during that exchange that I asked Terry, somewhat rhetorically, “Why is it that most of us require some kind of incredible adversity before we decide to tap into our true potential, to explore our ability to do something amazing with our lives?” That’s when Oliver, who had been quietly monitoring our conversation, chimed in, “It’s human nature.” Then he added, “But, when someone gives you six months to live, it changes things.” That’s when our conversation shifted to a higher plane. A few years ago, as it turns out, Oliver and Terry were delivered a wake-up call; Oliver was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given six months to live. Faced with the possibility of an “expiration date,” Oliver made a decision. “This news inspired me to accelerate my ‘bucket list’.” At the top of the list: Build my dream car, a DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future. With Terry’s support and a “crazy obsession,” the couple hand built their dream car. What’s remarkable is that there were no blueprints, no renderings, no diagrams of the famous time machine. As Terry explained to me, “We popped in the video tape and paused it… a lot!” Every detail of the vehicle was created by tediously capturing frame-by-frame snapshots from the movie. To see the DeLorean in person, and to consider the process the Hollers used to arrive at such an unbelievably accurate masterpiece, makes the feat that much more inspiring. The car has served a therapeutic purpose for Oliver and Terry, both through the focused dedication required to build it, but also through the joy created from the success of the project and the joy shared by all those who see the vehicle. The Hollers joined forces with Team Fox, a branch of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research after hearing that the actor was diagnosed with the disease. Oliver and Terry have traveled to 48 of 50 states (Hawaii and Alaska are on the agenda for 2013), Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Easter Island! Domestically, the couple drives the DeLorean to every appearance with the expressed mission of raising as much money as they can for Parkinson’s research. To date, they have raised over $100,000 for Team Fox. Fortunately, the doctor’s timeline was wrong. Oliver is still going strong, still experiencing and sharing joy, still living a life with purpose and making an impact. The Connections conference is incredible for many reasons, but the true power of the conference comes from the opportunities to “connect” with others – at a deeply personal level. But, you must be intentional about seeking out those connections, about creating life-changing experiences for yourself. You must actively pursue them. But, your intention should not be limited to a conference, a moment. Seek connection every day. Why are you waiting for incredible adversity before you will choose to tap into our true potential, to explore your ability to do something amazing with your life?