Coffee Party: Issue Summit

Earlier today, Rob Nelb and I co-hosted a Coffee Party meeting at Bus Boys and Poets (BBP) restaurant in Washington, DC.

However, after two weeks of planning the Issue Summit meeting at BBP's 5th and K Street location, we discovered that at the exact same day and time, at BBP's 14th and V Street location, another Coffee Party Issue Summit meeting was planned with the organization's founder (Annabel Park) attending.

At this meeting CSPAN, FOX, and CNN were present. Needless to say, Rob and I were very discouraged about the fate of our meeting. In fact, in a moment of panic, I called BBP's event planner to cancel. I was informed that we could opt out as co-host but, since they advertised the program, they were going ahead as planned with or without us.

Long story short, we decided to proceed as planned. And no, we did not have a huge turn-out; but to my surprise, the meeting's attendance and intensity exceeded expectation. The group size was perfect for our topic. We substantively, coherently and rigorously discussed the topic of hand - mission accomplished.

What we lacked in glamour, we made up with grit. I am certain the other meeting was a resounding success; however, I re-learned a valuable lesson this morning.

It's not the size, it's the intensity that matters!