Are you a strengths coach looking to grow and connect with the global coaching community? The annual Gallup At Work Summit in Omaha, Nebraska is the place to be. It offers a special opportunity for coaches from all around the world to come together, share experiences, and learn from keynote speakers and breakout sessions.
2024 Summit dates: June 3rd – 5th 2024
Attending the Summit in Person
Whether you choose to attend in person or virtually, the Summit promises to be an unforgettable experience. Here we share why you should seriously consider attending in person with practical tips on how to make the most of your experience.
Firstly, attending in person extends the event from one and a half days to four whole days including the evenings. In addition to the learning sessions, you can network with coaches from all over the world and see those famous people from the Gallup webcasts. Meeting face-to-face is the best way to build meaningful relationships, especially for those strong in the Relationship Building domain. You can connect with new coaches and participate in social events laid on by Gallup and the coaching community. See our tips on how to build your business network.
Moreover, the social times in the evenings are a great opportunity for coaches to gather and head out to local restaurants together. This is a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s learning with fellow coaches. If it’s your first time attending, don’t worry about feeling alone – you’ll immediately discover that you are amongst friends.
In addition to the main Summit, there are extra events for coaches before and after, offering further opportunities to connect and learn. By attending in person, you’ll be able to make the most of all these opportunities, learning from experts and peers alike.
As an independent coach with your own business, the cost may appear high. Consider it an investment. The learning experiences and the connections you make will inspire your business and increase opportunities.
Gallup at Work Summit 2023 Preview and Highlights
Watch the preview for the 2023 Summit with pictures from previous years.
See the highlights from the Summit in 2023.
Planning your trip to the Summit
Let’s talk practicalities. Book your flights early for the best price and look out for special deals. Previously, I found a cheaper deal as early as September and as late as January. The airport at Omaha only has internal flights, so those flying from outside the US will need to include a stopover at an international hub. Allow a sufficient stopover time as the queues for immigration vary a lot between different airports. Although the official Summit is from Monday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon, I book my flights from the UK to arrive on Saturday evening and depart on Thursday.
Remember to arrange your travel insurance at the time of booking your travel tickets, in case you need to cancel your trip. And check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
If you live outside the US, don’t forget to obtain your ESTA visa and find a cheap way to get US dollars. Personally, I use Wise, which offers great rates on currency exchange.
The Hilton Hotel on Cass Street is opposite the conference center and the large lobby serves as the social hub for coaches. For Summit attendees there is often a discount at the Hilton and some of the other hotels. You could consider sharing a room with a friend or booking an Air B&B to save costs. Most of the meals during the official Summit are provided and there are several options to keep yourself well nourished and refreshed.
What can I expect each day?
Based on previous years, and it may be different for 2024, here’s a general outline. All the events are within a few minutes walk from the main hotels or Gallup provides shuttle busses.
Sunday
In 2023, Charlotte Blair and her team arranged a Pre-Summit Coaches Get Together. It was run by coaches and was not a Gallup event although Gallup did kindly provide a goodie bag. Afterwards, there was a relaxed meal at the Blatt Beer & Table. The inspirational day enabled 65 coaches to meet, learn and connect with each other.
Monday
On the Monday for 2023, Dana Williams and I arranged a coffee morning in a local cafe. There was no agenda, it was a time to connect and chat with the other 50 coaches and share experiences.
At approximately 5pm, is the Summit Welcome Reception in the Gallup Riverfront Campus. Collect your name badge and your goodie bag then connect with more coaches, meet the Gallup staff and enjoy the refreshments.
Tuesday
The full day’s agenda kicks with breakfast then the Keynote launch in the main auditorium.
The four breakout sessions are punctuated by lunch before the day’s closing keynote. Between the sessions, make use of the photo booths and the stands where you can find out more about Gallup products.
Often there is an extensive shop to see the full range of books and stock up on the latest Strengths merchandise. You may spot Jim Collison interviewing coaches for the virtual audience.
Refreshments in the evening for coaches have previously been at Omaha Zoo and the recently opened Kiewit Luminarium.
Wednesday
Another good breakfast prepares us for a keynote and then an extended breakout session. When entering the main arena with our lunch, we all received a copy of the latest book Culture Shock.
The final keynotes rounded off the Summit for the official close. As a bonus item for the in-person attendees, there was an extra session in the afternoon.
To round off your Summit experience, look out for an impromptu trip to a local restaurant in the evening.
Learning Opportunities and Additional Courses
The Summit breakout sessions are packed with learning opportunities covering a variety of threads from expert speakers. The informative in-person presentations are live-streamed for the virtual audience.
In addition to the Summit, Gallup provides in-person and virtual training on most of their courses. Often there are discounts, and remember to adjust your flights and hotel booking to include your course.
Called to Coach – Summit Preview
Usually in April, there is a Called to Coach session previewing the events for the Summit and what to expect. As the excitement builds start to plan the breakout sessions you want to attend.
Make the most of your experience
To get the most out of your visit, think about what you want to learn and achieve during the Summit. Choose the breakout sessions that will help you the most. Consider how you will use your strengths during the Summit, and plan for any recharging time you may need. Don’t forget to prepare your Elevator Pitch – you never know whom you might meet!
On my way to the Summit in 2018, I got into the lift at the hotel and found myself face-to-face with Jim Clifton. He asked about who I was and what I did, so he received my Elevator Pitch – quite literally!
Richard Sterry
In conclusion, attending the Gallup At Work Summit in person is an incredible opportunity to connect with a global community of strengths coaches, and learn from experts. Book your spot now, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Omaha, Nebraska!
Finally, on your way home
As you depart and return home, take time to absorb the information from the past few days. What are your key learnings and how will you put them into practice? What were the highlights and how can you make these memories last? Who are you going to connect with in the coming days?
Remember to book your place for the Gallup at Work Summit next year – and bring your friends.
Further Reading
How to become a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach
Effective Business Networking for Your Coaching Business
