There is a time to sit behind a screen and a time to show up. HawkeFest is the latter. My opinion is simple: if you care about growth, missing HawkeFest is a mistake. In-person connections, real conversations, and live energy move business forward faster than any feed or inbox. That’s why I’m hosting it on October 1st at the Santa Monica Pier.
“If you miss Hawk Fist, you have more than just bodily harm. October 1st at the Santa Monica Pier. I’ll see you there.” —Erik Huberman
Yes, I said it with a smile and yes, it’s HawkeFest. The point remains. Skip questions. When leaders come together, momentum builds. The deals are done. Ideas sharpen. Teams reset their goal. This cannot be replicated by passively watching a clip later.
Why face-to-face always wins
I’ve spent my career building companies, growing brands, and helping founders find their edge. A pattern continues to appear: breakthroughs happen in rooms, not in threads. The request is clearer. Feedback is faster. The trust is real. You leave with decisions, not wish lists.
People tell me they’ll just watch the highlights online. It’s like trying to learn surfing by reading an article. The ocean doesn’t care about a summary. Neither do the agreements, the calendar or the culture. Being there changes your chances.
What you will gain on the pier
Here’s what HawkeFest gives you that a replay can’t. Read this, then imagine how even one of these could change your quarter.
- Real-time preview: You’ll hear what’s currently working from people who are doing it, without guessing.
- Unscripted access: Ask tough questions in the moment and get clear answers.
- High Signal Connections: Meet decision-makers who can say “yes” on the spot.
- Fresh energy: Break out of your routine to get your team back focused.
- Responsibility: Commit to taking action in front of peers who will remember.
These are not advantages. These are multipliers. Stack a few and a slow quarter turns into a solid finale.
“Can’t I watch later?”
I hear the counterargument: time is short, travel is painful, and content is everywhere. Fair. But the content is not the problem…the context is. In a room you get tone, nuance and intention. You pick up the side comments that spark new angles. You’re exchanging cards with someone who needs exactly what you’re offering. This does not happen in isolation.
Another barrier is cost. Jumping also has a cost: missed partners, missed hires, missed timing. The market rewards speed and clarity. HawkeFest gives you both.
How to get the most value
Introducing yourself is the first step. Showing up with a plan makes it count.
- Define three clear outcomes: people to meet, information to learn, or decisions to make.
- Book short meetings in advance so you can control your day, not the other way around.
- Ask pointed questions; avoid “advice?” and aim for details.
- Debrief on the day: capture actions before the glow fades.
- Follow-up within 48 hours; speed builds confidence.
It’s not about collecting badges. It’s about leaving with the next steps that you can carry out on Monday morning.
My bet and yours
As the founder and operator, I put my name on HawkeFest because rooms change results. Quality content is important, of course. But great context and great people, together, generate results. Miss it and you’ll feel more than a scratch. Show up and you will feel momentum that you can use.
October 1. Santa Monica Pier. Make the decision now. Bring your team, your questions and your goals. I’ll see you there…and I hope you leave with a plan you can act on the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is HawkeFest?
HawkeFest is my annual growth summit where operators, marketers, and founders come together for practical insights, real connections, and live problem solving, all right on the Santa Monica Pier.
Q: Who gets the most value from their participation?
Leaders who own the results: CEOs, CMOs, Growth Managers and Founders. If your job is to generate revenue or make an impact on the brand, this event is designed for you.
Q: How is this different from watching lectures online?
You get context, not just content. You can ask direct questions, compare notes with your peers, and walk away with decisions, not just inspiration.
Q: Where and when does this happen?
It’s October 1st at the Santa Monica Pier. Plan a full day filled with sessions, networking and targeted meetings.
Q: How should I prepare to maximize results?
Set three goals, schedule key meetings in advance, and ask specific questions. After the event, follow up within 48 hours to maintain momentum.
