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November 4, 2020 - By Hawke Media

Hawkefest: What is an Anti-Conference?

Sometimes, going with the flow doesn’t lead to anything worthwhile. 

When you seek knowledge, insight, and memorable experiences, does that mean sitting quietly watching a slideshow or raising your hand waiting to ask a question amongst a sea of strangers? Any other marketing conference you attend is sure to have typical keynotes, a boring box lunch, a lanyard or keychain for swag, and worst of all, a stack of business cards from random people that don’t materialize into meaningful connections. 

In the end, the best marketing conferences wind up feeling like the absolute worst, so if you’re looking for something new to boost your involvement and professional chops, why not attend an anti-conference instead?

Hawkefest is unlike anything you’ve experienced in the past. Here’s what you need to know: 

Hawkefest is the Anti-Conference You’ll Love

So many events claim to bethe best marketing conferences of 2019, but too many of them over deliver and under promise. 


At Hawkefest, the ultimate goal is simple: to bring together a special lineup of eCommerce entrepreneurs and executives to enjoy an entire day of peer collaboration and programming. Rather than creating an environment where strangers only have a chance to crack the ice, Hawkefest aims to shatter the barriers that hold your eCommerce goals from forging ahead. This all happens with an immersive experience consisting of…

  • The Houdini Estate, an eclectic venue for guests to explore and gain inspiration
  • High-level programming featuring industry thought leaders
  • Interactive entertainment from spellbinding magicians
  • Gourmet cuisine from local vendors
  • A top-shelf bar with tasty drinks to lighten the atmosphere

The environment alone makes Hawkefest an anti-conference you’ll love, and unlike drab eCommerce conferences taking place in a hotel reception hall, you’ll have access to other exclusive perks that place you in the heart of the action. 

Enjoy One-On-One Sessions with Expert Panelists

An anti-conference means that the agenda for the day is less about you listening, and more about you interacting. 

For example, eCommerce panelists at Hawkefest only have 20 minutes to chat with the crowd and get their message across. This isn’t because they have less to say, but it provides ample time for attendees to mingle with the crowd, ask thought-provoking questions, and better yet, set up one-on-one sessions with eCommerce industry pros that can help jumpstart your business goals. 


You’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most cutting-edge and innovative brands, such as…

One of the biggest speakers of the day is Gareb Shamus, the Co-founder/CEO of Comic-Con!


To make things even more exciting, after a panelist speaks, you can request a few minutes with them to discuss ideas or pick their brains with any relevant questions. The whole idea is to turn industry norms on its head and provide you with the most value possible in an amazing setting. 

You may be thinking, “How is there enough time to make this happen?” Well, the overall guest count is highly exclusive, which means any business owner off the street
can’t attend. 

The Guest-List is Highly Exclusive

It’s not a matter of judgment, but Hawkefest is geared toward a certain level of business professional/entrepreneur in order to make the event impactful. 


Here’s a rundown of the types of peers you can expect to collaborate with:

  • Current or past C-level execs and founders of growth-stage eCommerce businesses generating $5M + in annual revenue
  • Hungry early-stage entrepreneurs making an impact in the eCommerce industry
  • Established VCs and Investors
  • eCommerce industry experts

The application process ensures that only the best attendees fill the seats. Not to mention, the guest list is capped at 300,  so you won’t have to fight for seats or stand in the back struggling to hear.

Anti-Conferences are Full of Surprises

Any normal marketing conference is structured by a tedious agenda, but Hawkefest prides itself on creating an element of surprise for everyone involved. 


In the past, attendees have enjoyed… 

  • Impromptu circus act
  • Live bands that break out in song
  • Guest appearances from star athletes and celebrities 

This year, Hawkefest has a few cards up its sleeve, but you can expect a wonderful lineup of fun activities to catch you off guard and remind you that you’re not waiting around in a stuffy convention center for the clock to run out. In fact, you’ll wish that the magic could last forever, and that’s exactly what an eCommerce conference should accomplish!

Break From Tradition and Apply for Hawkefest 2019

Hawkefest is now in its third year, which means the lineups have only gotten better and the activities are sure to amaze and inspire. 

If you’re ready to ditch the commonplace events of the present and take part in the anti-conference of the future, then apply to Hawkefest 2019 today and learn how you can take your eCommerce business to the next level.