I recently attended the Web Designer Pro Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Organized by Josh Hall, it was my first-ever conference for web designers—and while I had a feeling it would be good (Josh is kind, and the online community seemed welcoming), I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Before you think, “I’m not a web designer, this doesn’t apply to me,” let me stop you. Because the biggest takeaways from this event apply to any business, in any industry.
From Baseball Games to Real Conversations
Josh kicked things off with a pre-conference meetup: casual bites, drinks, and a walk to a Columbus Clippers baseball game. He had reserved a private suite, complete with stadium snack vouchers. The game was a doubleheader, rained out, as it turned out, but that didn’t matter
You might not have even known there was supposed to be a game. We were lost in conversations and laughter like we were old friends at a reunion. And yes, including me, a vendor-sponsor, not even a “real” attendee.
I already knew the group was good people from a webinar I had led recently, but there’s a difference between expecting kindness and experiencing community. This was community in motion: welcoming, empathetic, and genuine.
No Egos. Just Encouragement.
What struck me most was the absence of ego. No cliques. No gatekeeping. Just a willingness to listen, share, and support. Every empty seat was offered without hesitation to anyone looking for a place to sit. We celebrated each other’s wins and gave encouragement to those of us in need of some wins.
Several speakers highlighted the importance of listening to clients, not just hearing them, but understanding and responding with empathy and generosity. Josh embodied this spirit as a host. He wasn’t behind the scenes or playing celebrity. He was everywhere, cheering for attendees, speakers, and even vendors. Sometimes while sporting a stick-on mustache. Egos. Left. At. The. Door.
He also brought in two ASL interpreters for the hearing-impaired attendees. That choice spoke/signed volumes. It wasn’t about checking a box. It was about inclusion, thoughtfulness, and making the experience richer for everyone.
Check out the highlights of Josh Hall’s Web Designer Pro conference in May!
What This Has to Do With Your Business
Seth Godin defines culture as “people like us do things like this.” That definition was alive and well at WDP Con 2025.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a web designer, or even go to a conference, to build that kind of culture. It starts with choosing generosity over fear.
In business, we often withhold, afraid to share too much with others in our industry, or hesitant to adopt ideas that didn’t originate from us. But that fear holds us back from growth. What I saw that weekend was the opposite: people sharing strategies, stories, and struggles; openly and without reservation.
And guess what? Nobody lost leads. Nobody regretted being open. In a follow-up Zoom call after the conference, people were already implementing new ideas, launching products, and refining offers. The only complaint? There wasn’t enough time to start acting on all the inspiration during the event.
You Don’t Need a Conference to Build Culture
What made WDP Con 2025 so impactful wasn’t the branding, or the speakers (as good as they were), or the venue. It was the people—and the culture they created together.
That’s something we can replicate in our own businesses, today. Right now.
We can:
- Share generously without fear of losing. Yes, even with those we may think are our competition.
- Celebrate wins without comparison.
- Listen deeply, without shame.
If that feels scary, just remember: you can’t lose what wasn’t yours to begin with, and staying stuck is far more painful than asking for help.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways for Any Business Owner
- Community is a strategy, not just a vibe.
- Listening is underrated and free.
- Celebrate others to build trust.
- Generosity leads to growth, not loss.
- Don’t hoard your knowledge. Share it. You’ll be better for it.
