Unusual Intersections '16

Sunday, October 2, 2016 // The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA // 11am-6pm

Unusual Intersections '16 // Sunday, October 2, 2016 // The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA // 11am-6pm

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HELPING CREATORS CONNECT IDEAS THAT MATTER

A 1 day gathering of unlikely minds to break down silos and

inspire innovative problem solving across diverse industries.

AN UNUSUAL EVENT EXPERIENCE

Last year, for the first time, we launched the inaugural Unusual Intersections to re-imagine how business leaders break down silos by cross-pollinating ideas to solve common problems.  With success beyond any measure, we are back by popular demand with an even greater experience than the first go-round.

Welcome to Unusual Intersections 2016. A private, invitation-only gathering where business leaders and ideas from divergent industries collide, mix, and come together to create new blueprints that solve real business problems.

Applying a green-room-like experience, leaders from diverse industries learn from one another to solve common problems. Join 100+ thought leaders represented across 15+ industries to share their personal stories, perspectives, and best practices.

Join us as we embark on a wondrous journey into the intellectual wilderness that will stir up creative and innovative ideas to address your core business needs in ways never before imagined.

Culinary Meet’n’Greet   Immersion

11am-1pm

Nothing is better than meeting new friends around a delightful farm table brunch with local wines where random ideas unfold and friendships are made.

Micro-Stage Storytelling Adventures

1pm-4pm

A curated collection of thought provoking leaders representing diverse industry verticals will share their personal stories around thematic business problems for all to absorb.

Self-Organized Ideation           Breakouts

4pm-6pm

Each speaker will claim a spot in the venue where attendees can self-organize to probe deeper and engage in discussions around their specific business challenges.

EVENT DETAILS & FAQ

Date: Sunday, October 2, 2016

Time: 11am-6pm

Location:

The Barns at Wolf Trap, Center for the Performing Arts // 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, Virginia 22182

Please note: The Barns at Wolf Trap can oftentimes get confused with Wolf Trap’s main outdoor amphitheater called Filene Center when using your GPS. The Barns is located adjacent and just beyond the Filene Amphitheater across the toll road. It can be tricky to find, but just input the address above.

Ample parking is available in the lot just in front of the Barns. Please allow yourself some extra time in case you get lost.

11am-1pm:

Culinary Meet ‘n’ Greet Immersion


1pm-4pm:

Micro-Stage Storytelling Adventures


4pm-5pm:

Self-Organizing Ideation Breakouts


5pm-6pm:

Conversation & Cocktails

HOTEL: Until September 9, 2016, we have a limited discounted room block ($89/night) at the Westin Reston Heights hotel nearby for the nights of Oct 1st and 2nd.. It’s only a quick shuttle or uber ride to the Wolf Trap venue.
We suggest you don’t delay in booking since we only have 20 available rooms blocked for guests. Please reach out to our event producer Katie Schaeffers, kschaeffers@brandlivegroup.com should you have any questions.
TRAVEL TO WOLF TRAP: A shuttle service will be arranged from the hotel to take guests to Wolf Trap. Additionally, Uber services are easily available around the area.

The Barns at Wolf Trap is located in the tucked away national park just 30 minutes outside of Washington, DC and 10 minutes from Dulles International Airport

Address: 1635 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182

Please note: The Barns at Wolf Trap can oftentimes get confused with Wolf Trap’s main outdoor amphitheater called Filene Center when using your GPS. The Barns is located adjacent and just beyond the Filene Amphitheater across the toll road. It can be tricky to find, but just input the address above.

Ample parking is available in the lot just in front of the Barns. Please allow yourself some extra time in case you get lost.

From the Capital Beltway (495)
Take exit 45 to Route 267 West (Dulles Toll Road), follow signs to local exits, pay a toll, and exit at the Wolf Trap ramp. Make a U-turn at the Filene Center, drive 1/4 mile. The Barns and the Center for Education will be on the left.

From Interstate 66 Westbound
Take exit 67 to Route 267 (Dulles Toll Road), follow signs for local exits, pay a toll, and exit at the Wolf Trap ramp. Make a U-turn at the Filene Center, drive 1/4 mile. The Barns and the Center for Education will be on the left.

From Interstate 66 Eastbound
Take the Capital Beltway (495) North to exit 45 onto Route 267 (Dulles Toll Road). Follow signs to local exits, pay a toll, and exit at the Wolf Trap ramp. Make a U-turn at the Filene Center, drive 1/4 mile. The Barns and the Center for Education will be on the left.

From Route 7 West-bound (toward Leesburg)
Turn left on Towlston Road, drive 1 1/4 miles. The Barns and the Center for Education will be on the left.

From Route 267 East-bound
Take exit 16 onto Route 7 West. Proceed 1 1/2 miles and turn left on Towlston Road. Drive 1 1/4 miles. The Barns and the Center for Education will be on the left.

WHAT IS THE THEME?

THEME: CONNECTING THE DOTS

Re-imagining the future will require an understanding of how disparate industries converge…how the dots between different ideas and perspectives connect.  Understanding how the dots connect is the difference between those who consume the future vs those who create the future. Unusual Intersections provides its festival goers with a front row seat amongst those who are shaping our world’s future. What are the cultural drivers that will shape the experiences of tomorrow? We believe the intersection of these ideas will create a re-imagined future that will help define our lives.

  • On Originality & Creativity
  • On Transformation
  • On Authenticity
  • On Movements & Virality
  • On Purpose & Social Responsibility
  • On Grit & Hustle
  • On Resilience
  • On Humor & Delight
  • On Curiosity & Learning
  • On Loyalty & Engagement
  • On Impossible

WHO IS THE AUDIENCE?

We are all ‘verbs“…a community of creators, original thinkers, and do-ers.

Are you the type of leader who seeks inspiration from events like burning man, TED, or Aspen Ideas? Are you a leader seeking creative approaches to innovation for your organization? Are you tired of hearing outdated ideas at cookie-cutter events where you get little interaction with the key experts and speakers? If so, then read on….

– – –

The age of average is over. Applying the usual ‘go-with-the-flow’ approaches to innovation is suicidal for any business.  For an organization to thrive over the next decade, it will require an unusual ability to create transformational innovations that stand out and sustain. We must ‘think unusual’ and challenge the status quo. We call these backyard innovators ‘unusual suspects’ because they embody the courage to do what’s right irrespective of the uncertainty that lays ahead. While most may only see them as the crazy ones, they unquestionably possess the ability to see what others do not. They go against the grain, have disdain for the ordinary, and are fearless in challenging the status quo. Their unusual perspectives help us open our eyes to what’s possible, and make us continuously ask “what if?”

– – –

Does this describe you? If so, you are an unusual suspect and we want to hear from you today. Go ahead and and sign up to request an invitation and be notified of future unusual events.

WHO IS *NOT* COMING?

Moochers, business card pushers, event voyeurs, assholes, and people without a unique perspective. Please, don’t bother.

This event is 100% participatory. We invite only those who embody our mission and values…and quite frankly, those whom we would personally welcome into our homes for a delightful and intriguing conversation over dinner.

WHICH INDUSTRIES WILL BE REPRESENTED?

The event is designed to cross-pollinate ideas from divergent industries to solve common problems. That said, we have carefully curated our speaker and attendee list to represent a comprehensive cross-section of a variety of industries, including, but not limited to:

Retail | Technology | Healthcare | Media | Transportation & Energy | Education | Real Estate | Consumer Packaged Goods | Film & Entertainment | Sports | Publishing | Food & Beverage | Financial Services | Government & Policy | Non-Profit | Human Resources | and more.

Don’t see your industry represented? Fret not. We are open to having folks from any and all industries with ideas to share.  Just reach out and tell us.

WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE?

We believe most leaders of organizations fail to recognize their full innovative potential. This is oftentimes a factor of groupthink where we are silo’d in our thinking and only surround ourselves with people and ideas that are most familiar to us.

Unusual Intersections is designed to challenge that preconception by creating an intimate and productive gathering that gets us out of our comfort zone and into a wilderness of the unknown. In our experience as innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs we know that some of the best ideas come from exploring the unexpected intersections between divergent industries.

What most fail to realize, is that although you think your business problem or challenge is unique, odds are there is some other person in some seemingly random industry that has tackled that similar issue successfully – or at least in a creative way that can help spark new ideas.

As far as we know, there is no other event that addresses this core innovative challenge. And so we set out to create one for you. We hope you enjoy it and would love your input.

HOW DO I APPLY & WHAT DOES THE EVENT COST?

At this time, the event is by invitation-only.  You are welcome to request an invitation by submitting an application. (3-5 minutes)

Our goal at Unusual is to help leaders & creators break free from silo’d thinking and gain as much cross-industry exposure and perspectives as possible. If everyone in the room had the same ideas with similar backgrounds, well then, that would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it?!

Through a brief application process, we can ensure we get a desirable mix of folks with both the greatest value to add and gain from the intimate 100-person gathering.

IF SELECTED, WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PRIVATE EVENT?
The price to attend is $599. This includes full day access to the event/speakers, a custom farm-to-table brunch, open bar (wine and beer), swag bag full of goodies, and countless ideas and conversations with the worlds most intriguing people under the setting of an iconic barn in the middle of a national park.

WHAT IS THE UNUSUAL MANIFESTO?

The age of average is over.

We believe the future belongs to those with grit.

To those willing to step out of their shell and experience something different, something unusual.

We believe the unusual inspires a sense of wonder and new perspectives.

We believe that within the unusual, we find extraordinary thinking  powered by curious people.

We believe in the power of these people to change the world.

We are Unusual, Inc.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

We have a modest goal: reimagine a world of innovative possibilities that create moments of serendipity using the power of perspective.

We know we can’t do it alone, so we welcome you to get involved as a volunteer, sponsor, member, in-kind vendor, or anything else you can creatively imagine.

I WANT TO GET INVOLVED

MEET OUR UNUSUAL FOUNDER.

Dr. Gautam Gulati is a globetrotting expert on innovation.  While on paper he is typically defined by the two letters that proceed his name “DR”, he is most valued for his diverse (and seemingly random) collage of experiences, interests, and skills spanning across a wide range of industries that have come to represent his signature trademark as being simply ‘unusual’.

For decades – whether it be in the form of delivering keynote talks, conceiving innovative products, advising client strategies, or throwing dance parties – Gautam has been at the forefront of delivering memorable experiences. Along this journey, he has become unusually obsessed with the power of perspective to help reimagine a world of innovative possibilities.

To achieve this lofty goal, he founded Unusual Inc., a storytelling media expedition celebrating human ingenuity, diversity, and imagination. With a simple mission to help bold change-makers curate and create moments of serendipity using the power of unusual perspectives, Gautam is launching his flagship event Unusual Intersections to help leaders of all industries break free from silo’d thinking and collaborate across organizational lines.

Want to learn more about Gautam? Click Here and Here.

Follow him @drgautamgulati

I CAN'T MAKE THIS EVENT. WILL THERE BE ANOTHER?

You bet!  Given the high demand to participate, we have decided to make Unusual Intersections an annual event series.  It will forever remain small to maintain a level of of intimacy, so we recommend you sign up below to get notified of subsequent events and secure your spot.

To keep updated on future unusual happenings, just sign up via the link below.

RECEIVE UPDATES ON UNUSUAL HAPPENINGS

UNUSUAL SUSPECTS: THE SPEAKER LINEUP

We hate to brag, but come on…look at this speaker lineup! We have curated a highly influential group of world-renowned speakers to share their ideas through the poetic convergence of narrative story and intention. They are recognized experts in their respective field, utilize unusual and disruptive methods to innovate, are collaborative, curious, action-oriented,  and unafraid to challenge the status quo. We call these speakers unusual suspects because of the unique perspectives they bring to the table.

WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

Thank you for helping us create a new chapter in the history books of innovation. Whether it be direct cash sponsorship or an in-kind gift, we thank you for your support in helping curate this one-of-a-kind event. In return, we would like to offer you a variety of benefits for your sponsorship participation.

BECOME A SPONSORING PARTNER

Unusual Intersections is no ordinary event. As a private, invite-only event, our audience consists of the industries most influential thinkers and leaders to allow for creative discourse in a nonjudgemental setting. Benefits to our sponsoring members includes:

  • A unique green room like experience that fosters friendships, partnerships, and innovative breakthroughs
  • Comprehensive promotional coverage (web assets, email communications, PR, marketing collateral, logo banner displays, program inclusion, and more)
  • Complimentary access for 3 staff members
  • A conflict free environment with no BS IP concerns. frieNDA rules apply.
  • Eliminate groupthink by building relationships across industry borders
  • Access to reports and collateral produced by Unusual, Inc.
  • Access to all videos and post-event materials
  • VIP access and discounts to ongoing media events and materials produced by Unusual, Inc.
I Want to Become a Sponsoring Partner

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND IN-KIND SUPPORT

We are currently looking for motivated people and in-kind vendor support who are excited about helping out in organizing the 2nd annual Unusual Intersections at The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA.

For volunteers: Whether you can help us blogging and spreading the word, or you want to help with our speakers, be on site for the event, help with ticketing, assist us with your graphics or visual skills, whether you want to be part of the team acquiring partners for the event – or anything else that you would like to invest your time in: what you get in return is the experience of creating a memorable event together with fun people that are determined to change the world. (note: you don’t have to be on site for every position – i.e. we are also open to applications from people not living nearby.)

For in-kind vendors: We are seeking in-kind support for food, beverages, gift giveaways, audio/visual support, design, and anything else you can creatively imagine.  In return, we get to make history together and you get free marketing exposure in front of an influential, high profile audience at Unusual Intersections.

We would love to hear from you! Please, just take a couple of minutes to fill out the form via the link below and we will happily be in touch – hoping to have you with us as part of the Unusual, Inc. team soon!

I Want to Volunteer
I Want to Provide In-Kind Support

MEDIA INQUIRIES

We have nothing to pitch you. We hope to let our event speak for itself.  That said, we invite media journalists to directly participate in the event to experience history in the making.

Unusual Intersections will fundamentally change how we collaboratively solve business challenges. We help leaders break free from silo’d industry shackles and experience perspectives from innovators across diverse industries.

Request a Media Invite

WHERE CAN I BUY A TICKET TO THE EVENT?

Invitation is by request only! We would love to open it up for everyone, but then that would take away from the intimate nature of the event.  With only 100 spots available, we will select attendees based on an individualized basis. Want to apply to attend? Request an invitation by clicking the link below.

Yes, I Want To Request an Invitation

WHAT IS THE THEME?

THEME: CONNECTING THE DOTS

Re-imagining the future will require an understanding of how disparate industries converge…how the dots between different ideas and perspectives connect.  Understanding how the dots connect is the difference between those who consume the future vs those who create the future. Unusual Intersections provides its festival goers with a front row seat amongst those who are shaping our world’s future. What are the cultural drivers that will shape the experiences of tomorrow? We believe the intersection of these ideas will create a re-imagined future that will help define our lives.

  • On Originality & Creativity
  • On Transformation
  • On Authenticity
  • On Movements & Virality
  • On Purpose & Social Responsibility
  • On Grit & Hustle
  • On Resilience
  • On Humor & Delight
  • On Curiosity & Learning
  • On Engagement
  • On Impossible

Gautam curated a gathering of some of the most talented and passionate leaders in the country. I found the event to be exhilarating, challenging and mind-opening. Kudos to Gautam for developing a breakthrough platform for creative discourse. Watch this one...it is going to be a very important movement.

Daniel Walker(former Apple, Gap, JCPenny)

Gautam curates inspiring conversations like a Master Chef creates a magnificent feast. It's in his DNA to generate collaboration. I'm grateful to Gautam for dreaming up "Unusual Intersections." What a gift to be part of such a magical experience!

Roberta Baskin(Founder, Aim2Flourish, former investigative journalist)

Gautam is a true visionary working to improve our world through connecting brilliant people and ideas. I am humbled by his innovative views of collaboration and leadership.

Brian Roeder(Owner, Barrel Oak Winery)

INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH US?

Become a Sponsoring Partner

OUR SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS

We are proud to introduce our partners for Unusual Intersections ’16.

Become an Unusual Partner

Genentech

wolftrap-newlogo-foundation-horiz
Brand Live

Brooks KraftIdeaPressJocelyn Oldham

Maverick

Purple OnionGallery Felix

Tailored Man

Skipper Films

Klick

CadreDC

ZeitguideAdvance Concepts

THE VENUE

The Barns at Wolf Trap

1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182

Note: The Barns at Wolf Trap is located just beyond and adjacent to the Filene Amphitheater. Please don’t get confused.

Discover the unknown. Dare to be unusual.

BUY MY TICKET
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