Paying it Forward: The Dave Mac Award for the CMX Summit
About 50 years ago* (working in startups has me thinking in dog years), I took a flying leap into the world of startups. And by leap I mean I took several small jumps over the course of a few years while maintaining a full time job in higher ed. I was the 20-something intern that scheduled social posts before work and during lunch, I volunteered at events at night, I went to conferences to learn more on the weekends (thanks to people who gave me free / discounted passes), I wrote pieces for free (gah!) whenever I had time, etc. Along the way I fell into step with some incredible humans who pushed me to learn more about myself, what I was really capable of, and what I was worth (spoiler alert: I was undervaluing my time / efforts). And one of those incredible humans was Dave McLaughlin.

Dave not only hired me for my first full time job as a community manager, but as the first employee at his company at the time. He invested energy and resources in helping me grow past my role as a manager to becoming the first vice president at the company. Not because he initially thought I’d become a VP there (we both didn’t realize how much I’d fall in love with the product, and that I would stay as long as I did), but because he genuinely likes to see people succeed. Dave also was (and is) an amazing example of being a connector and paying it forward.
So naturally, when I was asked to speak at the 2017 CMX Summit and I reflected on the many people that got me to this point, Dave was one of the first that came to mind. And when they told me I got to give a ticket away as part of my speaking comp package, I thought, “Here’s my opportunity to tip my hat to Dave and pay it forward.”
What does that mean? Well, I put together a lil Dave Mac Award for the CMX Summit for some aspiring community builder out there.
Some info / a short FAQ / rules
What is CMX?
“CMX is a training and events company seeking to organize and equip a global movement of community professionals, in order to shape a more connected, collaborative, and compassionate world.” (Thanks for the soundbite, Erica!)
What is CMX Summit?
Taken from their site: CMX Summit is “2 days of community-focused sessions and connecting with community-driven professionals. CMX Summit brings together experts and pragmatic approaches to community for business success. Our conference seeks to expand the discussions, techniques, and tactics applied to community building and support communities and their builders at scale. We want to show businesses practical ways to invest in their communities.” (PS — Here’s a 10% off code if you don’t qualify for the Award: thxspeaker17)
What does the Dave Mac Award include?
- 1 non-transferable ticket to CMX Summit in Los Angeles, September 2017 (value is $1,049)
- 2 “official” one hour sessions with me — one before the event to help navigate the Summit, and another post Summit to talk about whatever the “winner” would like — how to take what they’ve learned back to their job, how to get the next gig, even how to write a followup emails to the awesome folks they’ll meet at the conference.
I initially wanted to throw in some spending money, but I know that would complicate a few things (blah taxes). The “winner” would be responsible for everything else around the trip — travel, lodging, and spending money. Ideally, this person’s company would cover some of those things, but hopefully everything. I know it can be hard to focus when you’re worried about money, so I want to make sure this person is set up to succeed.
Some nitty gritty rules:
- Nominee must be working closely with a community, but can have a different title / role (the nominator / nominee must describe the role in the nomination form)
- Nominee must be 21+, but there’s no age limit otherwise (looking at you career changers out there!). Although the conference is 18+, there are after parties that will likely be 21+. To anyone under 21, comment below or reach out and I’d be happy to chat with you about community if you’ve got questions!
- Nominee must have never attended the CMX Summit before
- Nominee must be available to attend the CMX Summit, September 19–20 in Los Angeles, CA in person
- Nominee agrees to be profiled / referenced to the award (hey, gotta be a lil public to be accountable!)
- Nominee agrees to abide by the CMX Code of Conduct
- You can nominate yourself
- All nominations must be submitted through this form
Nominations close on July 28th, 5PM EST. I will notify the nominator / nominee that weekend and hopefully announce the “winner” the following week. Winner will be drawn at random, however if the winner’s nomination form does not comply with the rules, then another winner will be drawn. Consolation “prize” will be a one-on-one with me, as long as the nominee is qualified by the rules above and pending acceptance of the consolation prize. Timing around the one-on-ones will be organized by me, pending the number of entries.
I’ve gone to a few of the CMX Summits, and I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite conferences out there. Even now that I spend more time in the customer experience realm, I always walk away with some great community insights and fantastic connections when I attend the Summit (or interact with the CMX community in general). CMX has this list with more reasons why someone might attend in case you or the powers that be need some more proof.
Best of luck to all those nominating / applying, and I hope y’all take some time today to pay it forward.
