Prior to last November, I didn’t know the WIFT International Summit existed. After attending, I realized it is a career essential.
The unofficial theme of that first evening at the Woodlands Hotel was, “Should I stay or should I go?” As we were greeted with drinks and appetizers, I realized a handful of the women I was connecting with had only decided to attend two weeks prior.
Why the hesitation? For many, it was the fear of the unknown. For me, it was that coupled with the hurdle of logistics. Having missed the early-bird rates, I was searching for a roommate to offset costs and have someone to debrief with after a long day. After three emails to the organizers with plenty of questions, I finally got the answer that solidified my “YES.”
Unlike traditional conferences where speakers are swarmed for 30-second pitches, this was a masterclass in relationship building. Because the panelists stayed for the full three days, conversations flowed naturally over dinner or on the dance floor. We explored the shifting landscape of our industry—from the rise of vertical micro-dramas to modern distribution hurdles—without the typical networking stress.
My three takeaways:
1. Track Your “No’s”: Guneet Monga Kapoor suggested tracking every “No” in an Excel sheet. Eventually, you see the statistical pattern leading to your “Yes”. The best “Yes” is always coming.
2. Don’t Judge the Process: Trust your unique path and give yourself permission to enjoy it.
3. The Table is for Sharing: Sometimes you are invited to the table because others need to meet you.
Let’s lift each other up. Connect with your local WIFV/WIFT organization and find your “Best Yes”. Pictured are many of the people Becky met! Read Becky’s full article here.
