That’s exactly why we created Hawkfest—to break that mold completely.
Hawkfest isn’t your typical industry gathering. It’s where brands come together not just to network, but to genuinely connect in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. As the founder of Hawke Media, I wanted to create something different from the standard conference format that dominates our industry.
What Makes Hawkfest Different
When we first conceptualized Hawkfest, I had a simple vision: create a space where marketing professionals and brand leaders could meet, share ideas, and build relationships without the pressure and formality of traditional industry events.
Here’s what sets Hawkfest apart:
- It’s outdoors and casual – we literally have people “hanging out in the sun”
- The focus is on genuine connection rather than transactional networking
- We’ve eliminated the boring parts of conferences while keeping the valuable connections
The outdoor setting creates a completely different dynamic than you’d find at a convention center. There’s something about being outside that changes how people interact—conversations become more authentic, barriers come down, and real relationships form.
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Building A Community, Not Just An Attendee List
What I’m most proud of with Hawkfest is how it’s evolved into a true community gathering. When brand leaders and marketing professionals come together in this environment, magic happens. New partnerships form, creative ideas spark, and people leave with connections that last far beyond the event itself.
The feedback we’ve received confirms this approach works. Attendees consistently tell us they’ve met more valuable contacts at Hawkfest than at events three times its size. Why? Because people are relaxed, open, and actually enjoying themselves rather than just going through the motions.
Hawkfest is where all the brands go. And, you have fun. And, you will meet tons of people hanging out in the sun.
That simple statement captures the essence of what we’ve built. It’s not complicated—it’s about bringing together great brands and great people in an environment where meaningful connections can happen naturally.
Why Brands Need This Kind Of Gathering
In today’s digital-heavy marketing world, we sometimes forget the value of face-to-face interaction. I’ve seen firsthand how a 10-minute conversation at Hawkfest can accomplish more than weeks of emails and Zoom calls.
For brands specifically, these kinds of gatherings offer:
- Access to potential partners in a non-sales environment
- Exposure to fresh thinking from outside your immediate industry
- A chance to see how other brands are solving similar challenges
The informal setting allows for conversations that wouldn’t happen in more structured environments. I’ve watched competitors become collaborators and brands from completely different industries find unexpected synergies—all because they were in the right environment to have real conversations.
Join Us This Year
If you’re tired of the same old industry events and looking for something that delivers real value while actually being enjoyable, Hawkfest is for you. Whether you’re a DTC brand, an established retail company, or a service provider to the industry, you’ll find your people there.
The connections you’ll make and the ideas you’ll generate will pay dividends long after the event ends. And unlike most industry gatherings, you might actually have a good time in the process.
Get your tickets at hawkfest.com and join us for a day of meaningful connections, valuable insights, and yes—actual fun. I look forward to seeing you there, out in the sun, making the kinds of connections that move businesses forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of professionals typically attend Hawkfest?
Hawkfest attracts a diverse mix of marketing professionals, brand leaders, founders, and creative teams. We see attendees from direct-to-consumer brands, established retail companies, marketing agencies, technology providers, and investors. The common thread is an interest in authentic connection and forward-thinking marketing approaches.
Q: How is Hawkfest structured compared to traditional marketing conferences?
Unlike traditional conferences with rigid schedules of back-to-back presentations, Hawkfest prioritizes organic interaction. While we do have some light programming and featured speakers, the event is designed around creating spaces for natural conversation and relationship-building. The outdoor setting and relaxed atmosphere encourage more authentic exchanges than you’d find in a convention center.
Q: What can first-time attendees expect to gain from Hawkfest?
First-timers typically walk away with three key benefits: new business relationships that often turn into partnerships or collaborations; fresh perspectives on marketing challenges from peers facing similar issues; and a renewed sense of creativity and possibility. Many attendees report that a single connection made at Hawkfest has paid for their ticket many times over.
Q: Is Hawkfest only for established brands or can startups benefit too?
Hawkfest is valuable for brands at all stages. Startups gain exposure to potential partners, investors, and mentors who can help accelerate their growth. We’ve seen numerous early-stage companies form relationships at Hawkfest that became instrumental in their development. The casual environment actually tends to level the playing field between established and emerging brands.
Q: How can attendees make the most of their Hawkfest experience?
Come with an open mind and ready to engage. While we encourage bringing business cards, the best approach is to focus on having real conversations rather than collecting contacts. Take advantage of the casual setting to ask questions you might not ask in more formal environments. Follow up with new connections promptly after the event, referencing specific conversation points to maintain the authentic connection you established.
