Hope in Motion Registration FAQs

Hope in Motion is a series of small, in-person get-togethers that take place in cities across North America. Each one brings thoughtful people together for an evening of conversation over a meal. There isn't a keynote speaker, a formal agenda, or a networking session. Just good food, good questions, and the chance to spend time with people who enjoy meaningful conversation.

Hope in Motion tends to attract people who enjoy asking good questions, listening as much as they talk (if not more so), and spending an evening in genuine conversation. They come from different professions and different backgrounds, but they share a curiosity about people and the world around them.

If you've ever left a dinner wishing the conversation had lasted another hour, you'll probably feel at home here.

You don't have to be especially outgoing, know anyone in advance, or work in a particular field. You only have to enjoy the company of thoughtful people and the pleasant feeling that comes from an evening well spent.

No.

Many people know me through the medical writing community, so some gatherings might include more writers, editors, scientists, clinicians, or communicators than typical in the general population. But Hope in Motion is not organized around a profession. It's organized around conversation.

Not by design.

If you leave having met someone you'd like to know better, fantastic. But nobody is expected to introduce themselves to everybody, collect business cards, or explain what they do for a living before the appetizers arrive. That last bit might not even come up.

Absolutely. You won't be alone in that.

One of my favorite moments is watching a table of strangers slowly become a table of people who are genuinely interested in one another.

We get together at a local restaurant, cafe, or other hospitable venue, enjoy some food and drink, and engage in conversation with one another. Think less networking event, more dinner party.

Sometimes we stay around one table. Sometimes we split into smaller groups. Sometimes we wander around. It depends on the group, the place, and the experience.

Plus, I typically have door prizes.

No.

I'm not there as a coach, trainer, or facilitator. I'm there as your host. While my work certainly influences the kinds of questions I enjoy asking, Hope in Motion is not a coaching program or a group workshop. It's a chance to slow down enough to have the kinds of conversations that often get squeezed out of everyday life.

Please do. Many guests do.

Dress for the venue and the weather, not the occasion. Wear whatever allows you to relax and enjoy yourself.

The get-togethers are intentionally small or small-ish (fewer than 20 people). That keeps the conversation relaxed and gives everyone a chance to participate.

Absolutely. Whether it's one friend or a small crew, I'd be delighted to welcome you. You can reserve multiple seats in a single registration so I know who to expect and can save enough room for everyone.

When possible, I'll choose restaurants that offer a variety of options. If you have dietary restrictions, let me know after you register and I'll do my best to accommodate them.

First off, bummer. I was looking forward to getting the chance to hang out with you. If your plans change, let me know as soon as you can. You're always welcome to send someone in your place. If that isn't possible, I'll do my best to offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.

Because it's good to get together.

We spend so much of our lives communicating through screens that it's easy to forget how restorative it can be to spend an evening in the company of other people. Share some food, tell a few stories, laugh a little, and enjoy the kind of conversation that rarely fits into our day to day.

Some of the best moments in my life have come from sharing a meal, asking a good question, losing track of time, or watching strangers become friends.

Hope in Motion is my excuse to bring more moments like these into the world.