Running a summit might sound like a glamorous venture, but let me tell you — it’s also a logistical circus with more moving parts than a Swiss watch. That said, when done right, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to bring people together, share ideas, and make a significant impact. After organizing the 2024 Neurodivergent Business Summit, I’ve seen it all: the highs, the lows, and the sheer chaos. Along the way, I picked up some hard-earned lessons and insider tips that can help you pull off your own summit without losing your sanity — or your weekends.

In this post, I’ll break down the key takeaways from my summit experience. We’ll talk about planning timelines, resources that saved the day, adapting systems for your brain and your audience, and why summits can be game-changers for your business. Plus, I’ll share the one tool that kept everything (and everyone) on track. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Plan Ahead (No, Seriously—Way Ahead)

Here’s the first rule of summit planning: give yourself time. A lot of it. Conventional wisdom says you need at least 90 days to plan a summit, but let’s be honest—rules are for breaking, right? Well, we broke this one, and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty. Running a summit in less than 90 days felt like trying to build IKEA furniture without the manual: doable but unnecessarily painful.

When we decided to throw our first NeuroDivergent Business Summit, we had just under three months to pull it off. Spoiler alert: it meant working evenings, weekends, and probably in my sleep. But we learned our lesson. For our next summits, we’re giving ourselves a much longer runway. Why? Because if there’s one thing neurodivergent teams need, it’s flexibility. Extra time means fewer last-minute scrambles, better communication, and space for creativity.

So, take this advice to heart: plan your summit timeline around your needs, your team’s capacity, and your audience’s expectations. If you’re like me and your brain thrives on structured chaos, build in buffer zones for the inevitable hiccups. Trust me, future you will thank present you for the foresight.

Find Your Toolbox—and Use It

Summit planning without the right tools is a recipe for overwhelm. For us, the game-changer was Summit in a Box, a program that turned the chaos into something manageable. Think of it as your summit-planning Sherpa, guiding you through templates, tech tutorials, and timelines like a pro. It didn’t make the process effortless, but it sure made it doable.

What I loved most about this resource was its flexibility. Whether you’re a visual learner who thrives on video tutorials or someone who prefers written guides, there’s something for everyone. I could easily find answers to my questions without falling into a Google rabbit hole. Instead of stalling out when things got tricky, I knew exactly where to turn for help.

Pro tip: don’t let the sheer amount of content overwhelm you. You don’t need to use every single tool or strategy provided — just pick what works best for you. The beauty of a resource like this is that it’s comprehensive, but you’re in control of how much you use. Start small, stay focused, and build from there.

Adapt, Don’t Adopt

Here’s the thing about summit strategies: they’re not one-size-fits-all. Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it’ll work for you, your team, or your audience. The key is to take the frameworks and tools you’ve learned and tweak them to fit your unique needs. That’s exactly what we did, especially when it came to creating a neurodivergent-friendly timeline.

Traditional event planning timelines might suggest rigid milestones, but let’s be real — neurodivergent brains don’t always work that way. We built in extra buffers, flexible deadlines, and communication checkpoints that made sense for us. This approach not only reduced stress but also allowed our team to operate at their best. And guess what? It worked.

So, don’t be afraid to break the mold. Whether it’s adapting your schedule, changing your communication style, or rethinking your marketing strategies, do what feels right for you. After all, the point of a summit is to create an experience that reflects your values and serves your audience—not to force yourself into a cookie-cutter process.

The Power of Connection

One of the most rewarding aspects of running a summit is the relationships you build along the way. For us, the NeuroDivergent Business Summit wasn’t just about sharing strategies — it was about creating a space for like-minded individuals to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. And wow, did we meet some amazing people.

Our speakers came from all walks of life, each bringing their own unique perspectives. Hearing how they approach business, overcome challenges, and embrace their neurodivergence was nothing short of inspiring. It also reminded us that there’s no single “right” way to succeed — just the right way for you.

If you’re planning a summit, prioritize this sense of community. Choose speakers who align with your values, create opportunities for attendee engagement, and make space for meaningful conversations. The connections you foster will become one of the most valuable takeaways from the entire experience.

Lessons Learned (and What’s Next)

Looking back, I can confidently say that running a summit was one of the hardest—and most fulfilling—projects I’ve ever tackled. It pushed us out of our comfort zone, forced us to think creatively, and gave us a new appreciation for the power of preparation. Most importantly, it set the stage for what’s to come.

We’re already gearing up for our next summits, armed with everything we learned from the first one. This time, we’re focusing on fine-tuning the experience, improving where we can, and doubling down on what worked. And while there’s always room for improvement, I’m proud to say there weren’t any major disasters. That’s a win in my book.

So, if you’re thinking about hosting a summit, my advice is simple: go for it. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also worth it. With the right tools, a solid plan, and a willingness to adapt, you can create something truly incredible. And who knows? It might just change your business—and your life—for the better.

 

Running a summit isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s an adventure worth taking. Whether you’re looking to grow your audience, strengthen your brand, or simply try something new, a summit can be a game-changer. Just remember: plan ahead, use the right tools, adapt to your needs, and focus on building meaningful connections.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of tackling such a big project, don’t worry—you’ve got this. Start small, take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Who knows? Your summit might just be the thing that takes your business to the next level.

 

Take a look at Summit in a Box. And go register for the next Neurodivergent Business Summit, so you can see how we are doing!