Rethink: Hawaii changed my life.

Photo by @rickyli99

How?

Difficult to say.

It comes from the gut, without logic or reason.

I guess it’s just one of the great things in life that can’t be measured… and that’s okay.

I knew the event was going to be fun when Rethink veterans greeted one another with big hugs and stretching smiles.  I knew it was going to be a blast when I, as a newbie, was then greeted with the same enthusiasm.

A week after the event, I still find it difficult to define Rethink and the people involved.  An intimate group of around 30 individuals, the diversity of their backgrounds varies as much as their success, talents, and relationships. One of the many unique traits of the conference is that it’s largely self-organized. Some of the most exciting events were never a part of the agenda, which speaks to the greatest asset of the organization — its people. It’s a semi-spontaneous gathering of extroverted entrepreneurs, investors, and like minded individuals all with a twist of tech.  We enjoy chatting Android, Arrington, and Apple. At least, that’s how it all starts!

File under: -- Cross-border relations. Photo by @laurieviv

The bonds made with the attendees can go quite deep, especially since some of the participants have been to a number of the events. Traveling and exploring new experiences with conference goers tends to accelerate the relationships, and towards the end of the event I found myself swapping business cards to become friends on Facebook, not to send a vague “follow-up” email.

Through wild launch parties at the newest five star hotel on Waikiki, to the somber moments above bombing sites at Pearl Harbor, this event seems to create magic wherever it goes. In many ways, it perpetually gives off the same aura felt after watching a great TED talk; It forces you to Rethink.

Rethink with Kal Penn. Photo by @laurieviv

I just wanted to thank everyone that attended, organized, and sponsored the event! Every one of you added value, and for that, I encourage you to pat yourself on the back. Go ahead.

With that in mind, let’s bring Rethink to Alaska!

Why?

• I want to share this great event with local Alaskans
• I want to share Alaska with this great event
• To show that we CAN bring up hip/innovative venues up here with grassroots funding
• Align our State with extremely well networked individuals in tech
• Nurture our soil with the magic, innovation, and dreams that follows this group
• Show that, indeed, the sun doesn’t set on solstice…