Typewriter Poetry

I was at an industry event, one of the largest events for planners and suppliers that I’m aware of. I think I’ve mentioned it before. I go every year. I get so much out of this event; education, news, updates, and insights into what’s trending and where the industry seems to be going. I get to see people I have cultivated great relationships with and invariably I meet new people who I can’t wait to do business with. There are new locations and venues and activities and services each year that I can’t believe I still haven’t heard about after all this time. 

The show floor is almost one million square feet in size and this year it had a record attendance of almost 16,000 planners and suppliers. I’m pretty sure every type of event planner, country, state, city, convention center, resort, hotel chain, service provider, and meeting and events product on the market is in the same place at the same time. Some day I’d love a meeting with the event’s project manager. She’s a little pistol of a thing with a snappy suit, European accent, and the most well-worn sneakers I’ve seen.

Last year I was surprised to encounter a company called Meow Wolf. Obviously the name got my attention, but the activity kept my attention. It’s an interactive art experience. These are almost like speakeasy-style venues that you need to know where they are to find. They are in only a few cities in the US and take the form of a grocery store, kitchen refrigerator, suburban home, and treehouse. I have been trying since I met with them to take a group of executives to their activation while on a retreat but we either end up in a city they haven’t opened in yet, or as is the case this year, we missed their opening in the same city by just a couple of weeks. Some day.

Two years ago I had a personal song written for me. Benji from SongDivision, another cool activation, was in the hallway outside of the breakout rooms with his guitar and creativity waiting to incorporate a few key words and my favorite music style into a witty little tune. Poor Benji had his hands full when my key words included spreadsheets, planners, booths, and details. Oh, and my favorite genre of music? Rap. After about four minutes, Benji sort of rapped me a fun little ditty that I still have on my phone and have tried to make my ringtone ever since.

This year, however, I met an extraordinary man. A poet. Someone, who after meeting him for just a few minutes, you feel like you’ve known for years. He made each person feel seen, heard, valued, understood. Something about him made person after person after person tell him a few intimate details about themselves; after which he crafted a beautiful, creative, soul-touching poem for each one. I watched as the line to speak with him continued to grow. Each person receiving his undivided attention. Tears and photos and hugs and social media posts went on for days. I waited with baited breath to have my own moment with him to no avail. Sad.

Then, I happened to see him after the event on my way to an evening reception. He and his little typewriter, talking with one women. I waited as she had her poem read to her and watched the tears run down her face. Then he looked at me. We chatted pleasantries about the event for a moment as I took in his old fashioned hat, bowtie, knickers, and vest. He legit used an old typewriter that clicked, required him to return, and did not allow him to fix a mistake. He then asked a few heart-felt questions and shared a little of his own life journey which I could tell was filled with pain. 

In mere moments I was given the blessing of a beautiful poem that sincerely and surprisingly captured me in a short few stanzas. It was hard for me to hold back my tears as, in the hustle and bustle of life, and being in a crazy season of planning and details and serving others and not always sleeping well, I had a moment of respite.

Folks, if you’re looking for a unique and special addition to your event, you must check out Ryan Ashley the Poet. You won’t be disappointed by his talent and witty repartee. 

Have you met Ryan Ashley? Share your experience here or send me an email,
I’d love to hear how he touched your life.

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