Why this inspiring event for Millennials keeps growing

Katie Meyler’s lunchtime keynote was gutwrenching, yet full of hope.

The founder of More Than Me, an organization devoted to educating children in Liberia, took the audience through a roller coaster of emotions as she described her work: The triumph of establishing a school for girls after winning the Chase $1 Million award, the horror as, a few years later, ebola ravaged the town and she became one of the Ebola Fighters recognized as Time’s Person of the Year in 2014.

Meyler’s powerful talk, interspersed with poetry and song, was strikingly relatable and deeply inspiring. And that, really, is what the Millenial Summit is about.

Some 600 people – some Millennials, more than a few “seasoned professionals” of the generation formerly known as X, and a smattering of on-trend Boomers – gathered at The Chase Center for a day of talks, panels, breakout sessions and camaraderie.

A pint-sized robot, built by Razor Steel Robotics, a Dover FIRST Robotics team made up of seven high school students, “explored” the exhibition floor, where, among other things, you could get free head shots by Foschi, register to vote, and learn all about WhyFly, the Blue Coats and a brand new Delaware-themed podcast called “Dela Darling”.

Also, lots of free pens.

In the front hall, The Fun Dept. held games, including a cornhole competition, as WDEL broadcast interviews and DeTv filmed segments.

Work was done, because Millennials (and honorary Millennials) can work literally anywhere with WiFi. Connections were made.

A highlight was Tapp Network’s “Nonprofit Luau,” a new feature where attendees networked with 20-some nonprofits 90 seconds at a time, speed-dating style. Tapp’s Brooke Chase refereed.

The event is still in its infancy — this is its second year, and the increased attendance rate met expectations. Projections for next year’s MILLSUMMIT are in the rage of 1,000 people.

That’s a lot of pens.