In February of 2020, as I flew back from speaking at a conference in Vancouver, Canada, I had no idea how much the world was about to change. I had just learned of a small outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus on the West Coast…a story that, at the time, felt more like a distant echo than an impending global upheaval. Just weeks earlier, I had stepped into the role of Director of Expansion at The National African American Missions Council, eager to bring our vision of evolving from an annual conference into a robust, year-round nonprofit to life. We were making big plans for an official launch in June, brimming with hope and momentum.
But by March 15th, 2020, the U.S. government had begun implementing shutdowns, and our world unraveled into uncertainty. The questions came at us fast and hard: How long would this last? What would life look like now? Like many organizations, we found ourselves at a crossroads, unsure whether to pause and wait or forge ahead and innovate. I chose the latter, driven by a belief in the power of human connection, even in a time of unprecedented disconnection.
The initial months were filled with research and an intense focus on understanding what people needed. As the pandemic spread, people were thrust into isolation, and the lack of human interaction created a profound emotional void. I began exploring digital conference platforms, hoping to find something that could replicate the richness of in-person gatherings. What I found were limited options…platforms that were either functional but sterile or prohibitively expensive for any organization wanting to create a meaningful experience.
It became clear that our approach needed to start with deep listening. What were people really missing? Beyond the technical specs and basic functionalities, they craved connection, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. They wanted something that made them feel seen and embraced, even if only virtually. So, I doubled down on listening to our audience: clients, colleagues, and attendees. We hosted feedback sessions, collected data, and studied what made experiences memorable and comforting.
Out of this comprehensive research and relentless focus on empathy, my wife and I developed Conference Loft through our company, Elevate 1 Consulting. Our mission was clear: to craft a digital space that felt as close to a hug as possible. We designed Conference Loft to be more than a virtual event platform; it was a responsive, adaptive experience that reflected what people truly needed in those moments of isolation. It was informed by people’s pain, their stories, and their longing for genuine human interaction.
During the pandemic’s three-year span, we served more than 70,000 attendees, creating a platform that not only won awards but also resonated deeply with its users. However, our true measure of success lay in our ability to be present and mindful, even as chaos swirled around us. Our innovation stemmed not from trying to outpace the competition, but from slowing down, listening, and responding thoughtfully. We learned that mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an indispensable leadership quality. In our work, it translated into pausing to understand, adapting with intention, and ensuring that our decisions reflected genuine care for our clients’ needs.
Mindfulness, in this context, grounded our research and fueled our innovation. It was the practice of being fully present, of setting aside assumptions, and of approaching challenges with clarity and compassion. Paired with active listening, it empowered us to create a product that people didn’t just use but felt connected to.
As Conference Loft closed its doors in 2023, driven by a global shift back to in-person gatherings, I reflect on the incredible lessons learned. The experience underscored the undeniable value of research guided by empathy and the transformative power of being truly present. Learning to stay still and find calm in the chaos equipped me with tools that continue to serve me, my colleagues, and our clients.
The story of Conference Loft is a testament to the impact of research steeped in active listening and the power of mindful leadership. Because sometimes, in a world that feels like it’s spinning out of control, the best way to move forward is to pause, truly hear what people need, and let that guide the way.