The Thing Orlando
A live event for leaders ready to scale what’s working and move faster with clarity and momentum. – Celebrating 10 Years
November 13–15, 2026
Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista, FL
3 Days | 9 Sessions | 20+ Talks | 1 Purpose
Inspiring You to Action
Connecting You to Community
Equipping You to Scale
Is This Event For You?
Where Strategy Meets Action.
The Thing is built to give you in-the-trenches insight from entrepreneurs, marketers, creators, and leaders who are actually doing the work. These aren’t “someday” ideas or recycled fluff. This is what’s working right now in real businesses.
From the main stage to exclusive VIP and VVIP bonus sessions, every talk is packed with tactics you can apply before you even leave the room. No breakouts. No decision fatigue. Everyone hears every speaker. And because we’re all in one room, the conversation builds and your clarity compounds.
Whether you’re wrestling with strategy, scaling, clarity, or cash flow we’ll help you to find solutions. From the stage to the seat next to you, everyone is there to help you achieve your goals.
We’ve built in hot seats, Q&A, real-time conversations, panels, interviews, and a few surprises. You’ll leave with your questions answered, a clear path forward, and a plan to make it real.
Equipping You to Do Your Thing
Your ideas deserve more than inspiration.
They deserve clarity, a real plan, and the right people around you.
These aren’t abstract ideas or theories. Together we will help you:
- Make confident decisions (Focus & Clarity)
- Be seen and trusted (Marketing & Content)
- Grow as a leader (Leadership)
- Build on solid ground (Sustainability)
- Adapt when things change (Innovation)
- Stay aligned as you scale (Authenticity)
- Scale what is working (Growth)
- Go farther together (Community)
We focus on the essentials leaders need to move what’s already working forward:
Our speakers aren’t here just to inspire you from a stage or to impress you. They’re here to equip you with the same tools and frameworks they use in their own businesses every day. After they get off the stage, they will be sitting in the room with you, where you can dive deeper.
They’re real-world areas leaders must strengthen to grow what they’re building—without doing it alone. That’s the difference. This isn’t theoretical. It’s tactical, practical, and personal
Unlike your typical lecture style conference, at The Thing, you get to learn together and play together with the speakers, blurring the lines so that we’re all peers working on our thing and sharing our expertise and wisdom with each other.
The Thing Experience
One Event, Three Ways to Attend
The Main Thing
Friday, Nov 13 to Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
The Main Thing is a three-day event for leaders who’ve built momentum and are ready to scale. Over 20 speakers will share exactly what’s working in their businesses today. No fluff, no theory.
And unlike other events, there’s no green room. The speakers are in the room with you, answering questions, making connections, and engaging in the same conversations you are.
You’ll Get:
- 3 Days with 20+ Talks in one room.
- 10 Sessions designed to scale what’s working now
- Access to peers who’ve built real businesses, not just hype
- Clarity, community, and a concrete plan to take home
The VIP Thing
Thursday, Nov 12 to Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
VIP isn’t about better seats. It’s about better access.
From a private leadership day at Walt Disney World to exclusive mastermind-style sessions, the VIP path puts you shoulder-to-shoulder with speakers and peers who are playing at your level.
For leaders who want deeper connection and access.
If you know the right room and the right relationships are what move you forward, VIP is the move.
You’ll Get:
- 4+ Days with leaders and peers who move fast
- Private Creativity + Leadership Day at Disney World (learn from the best in business + culture)
- Friday VIP Workshop (a curated deep dive before the event opens)
- Speaker + VIP lunches (real conversations, not just stage talks)
For Builders who want the room and the relationships, VIP is the move.
The VVIP Thing
Tuesday, Nov 10 to Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
VVIP is for leaders who want to skip the line and step directly into the inner circle.
It starts with a private dinner hosted by Terry & Leslie, then dives into a full-day whiteboard session with other high-level entrepreneurs. Add Disney experiences, VIP access, and a seat at every private session, and you’ve got the most intimate, transformative path into the year ahead.
For leaders who want speed, proximity, and clarity.
If you’re hungry for acceleration, ready for high-level hot seats, and want direct access to the people on stage, VVIP is the only option.
You’ll Get:
- 5.5 Days immersed with Terry, Leslie, and a select group of leaders
- Private VVIP Dinner + Whiteboard Strategy Sessions
- Disney World experiences are designed to spark creativity and a fresh perspective
- Every VIP benefit included (Disney Day, Friday Workshop, Speaker lunches)
- The inner circle conversations most people will never hear
Event Highlights
What Happens at The Thing
- Mainstage keynotes that inspire and activate
- Panel discussions where you hear from people doing the work
- Speakers who don’t hide in green rooms, they sit beside you
- Deep conversations that go way past business and get real
- Creative collisions, collaborations, and connections that last
- An intentional culture, rooted in purpose, fueled by action, and shaped by The Thing Manifesto
- Surprise bonuses like, private events, special dinners, and unforgettable surprise moments
Why The Thing Works?
Because we built it different.
No fluff. No hype. No “networking” that feels gross.
Just real people, real momentum, and real transformation.
The Thing Is Built on 3 Pillars
🧩 Belonging by Default
You don’t have to earn your way in. If you’re here, you’re one of us.
🚀 Ideas in Motion
Get clear, and finally take action on the ideas that keep you up at night.
🤝 Shared Brilliance
This isn’t a room full of takers. It’s a room full of people who show up to build together.
What Can I Expect?
- 2 Days
- 7 Sessions
- 16+ Speakers
Who The Thing is For?
We’re not trying to be everything for everyone. If you see yourself in any of these, you’re in the right place:
🚀 Big-Hearted Entrepreneurs
You have bold ideas and the drive to make them real. You want to build something meaningful, create real impact, and see tangible results. But you need help.
🎨 Creatives, Leaders, and Dreamers
You’ve been told you’re “too much,” “too passionate,” or “too different”—but you know your unique energy is your strength. Here, your creativity and vision aren’t just welcome; they’re celebrated.
🌟 Visionaries Who Break the Mold
You crave a community that values boldness, innovation, and authenticity over conformity. You’re looking for a place where big thinking is encouraged and new ideas are championed.
🤝 Collaborators Seeking Connection
You’re tired of going it alone. You want clarity, support, and genuine relationships. If you’re ready to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside a generous community, The Thing is for you.
Who The Thing Isn't For?
The Thing is intentionally designed—and that means it’s not the right fit for:
🚫 People who lead with ego
If you’re only here to pitch yourself, dominate conversations, or collect contacts without contributing—this isn’t your room.
🚫 Transactional takers
We believe in building with generosity. If you’re asking “What do I get?” before “How can I give?”—this probably isn’t your scene.
🚫 The status-quo crowd
If you’re satisfied with surface-level, comfortable with conformity, or looking for the same-old-same-old conference experience, we’re not your vibe.
🚫 Lone wolves
If you’re not open to collaboration, connection, or community—The Thing won’t work for you. We go further together.
Registration Details
Secure Your Spot
This is where your next chapter begins. Whether you’re just discovering your Thing or ready to take it louder, further, and deeper, join us in Nashville. And we’ll save you a seat.
The Main Thing
Nov 13-15- 3 Incredible Days working ON your business
- Welcome Resource Pack from The Thing
- 9 Sessions with 20+Talks
- Catered Lunch on Monday and Tuesday
- Guaranteed Seating to All Sessions
- Access to The Thing Hub Private Facebook Community
- Access to Exclusive Discounted Disney World Tickets
The VIP Thing
Nov 12-15- 4 Incredible Days
- 1-Day of VIP Creativity and Leadership Day at Walt Disney World on Thursday
- Bonus VIP ONLY Workshop on Friday Morning
- VIP Meal with Some of Our Speakers
- plus
- The Main Thing: 3-Days of Learning and Collaboration
- 9 Sessions with 20+Talks between Friday and Sunday
- Limited Number of Attendees
The VVIP Thing
Nov 10-15- 5.5 Days of Business Growth
- VVIP Dinner Tuesday night at a Disney Springs Restaurant
- VVIP Whiteboard Session: 1-Day where you can get help not only from some of our amazing speakers but our incredibly talented attendees. Includes Help Seat for getting clarity in your business. Plus Special VVIP Event on Friday night.
- All Day Wednesday on 11/11
- Private Lunch and Dinner in our Suite
- A Bonus Day and a half that will shape the future of your business
- plus Everything in The VIP THING plus
- plus The Main Thing: 3-Days of Learning and Collaboration
- 9 Sessions with 20+Talks between Friday and Sunday
- Extremely Limited Number of Attendees
Curated Sessions to Help You Grow
Speakers and Guests
The vision from the beginning was clear, blur the lines between speakers and attendees. Many of our current speakers started as attendees and are now leading us. We have saved a seat for you at the table.
Past attendees and speakers have worked with brands like Disney, NBA, Amazon, USPS, TED, Nickelodeon, NASA, Farmers Insurance, Ford Motor Company, WB, Walmart, and Pepsi. From successful startups, global marketing firms, and small businesses on and offline.
Some of our past speakers have included:
- Lee Cockerell, former Disney Vice President
- Butch Hartman, creator of Fairly Odd Parents
- Rachel Miller Facebook growth specialist
- Jeff Goins, celebrated author, and speaker
- Leigh Holt Artist and Brand Manager
- Ken Davis, renown speaker trainer
- Jonathan Lee Iverson, The Last Ringmaster for Ringling Brothers Circus
- and more
Meet Our Host
Terry Weaver, business coach and idea strategist.
He specializes in helping remarkable leaders navigate the galaxy of entrepreneurship. His biggest goal is to help YOU discover what you really want and help discover the map to head in the direction and arrive at the destination.
The Thing is a response to that goal.
It brings the best leaders, speakers, and change-makers together in one room. Creating a curated environment that allows attendees unprecedented access to speakers and sponsors. While inspiring them to grab hold of their dreams and chase after them.
None of our dreams will survive alone. Let’s build them together.
Official Sponsors and Partners
Our Host Venue & City
Just Outside Orlando
The Thing Orlando 2026 is hosted at Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista in Florida. Located off I-4, about 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport in the Disney Springs® Area.
The Hyatt Place has meeting space where we’ll meet together around tables. Building community, each other and our businesses. It’s located a short drive from great dining, Disney property and nightlife.
Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista
1-888-492-8847 using code G-3232A block of rooms has been reserved for the event. Please make your reservations by Friday, October 12, 2026 to receive your group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability.
To get the discounted room rate with discounted parking and free breakfast. Use the code via the Hyatt website or 800 number.
- Click on orange “book” box
- Find the Special Rate section
- Choose Corporate or Group Code
- Enter code G-3232