"Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of pure imagination..."
Imagine receiving only this cryptic lyric as a teaser for an upcoming water “conference.” Actually, let’s correct that—it wasn’t a conference at all, but an immersive experience that would defy all expectations. A lack of upfront details about Catalyst 2024 might have triggered some nerves—questions like, "What’s this going to be like?", "What do I bring?" “Am I wasting my company’s money?”—but in hindsight, this ambiguity was the perfect setup. As someone who thrives on planning, I was nudged out of my comfort zone and taken down a mind-bending rabbit hole of discovery.
Typically, conferences come with rigid schedules, pre-planned itineraries, and clear expectations. Catalyst, however, flipped the script. Instead of a structured agenda, we were given only a map—distributed by guides stationed at each hotel—featuring vague symbols and enigmatic titles. No specific locations. No clear plan. Just intrigue.
The theme of Day 1 was fittingly called "Down the Rabbit Hole." And how did we know where to start? A lollipop, of course. Attached was a note instructing us to meet at 711 Navarro Street under the pink neon sign at 4:45 p.m. For someone like me—anxious about details—the urge to Google the address was strong. But I resisted. Instead, I leaned into the experience, gathered with a group of strangers in the hotel lobby, and set out on an adventure.
The destination was Hopscotch, an interactive art museum filled with light, sound, and wonder. Our journey was kicked off by none other than Willy Wonka himself, serenading us and evoking childlike joy before we descended into a dazzling world of imagination. It felt as though we had truly passed through a portal—lights, art, and an atmosphere of wonder stripped away our usual defenses, opening us up to the unexpected. Glittering drinks numbed our mouths, but more importantly, we began to lower our personal barriers, readying ourselves for the mind-shifting days ahead.
By the end of Day 1, we were given only one additional clue: Meet in the courtyard of the Vienna Hotel at 7:45 a.m. We had no idea what the day held, aside from cryptic entries on our maps like "Trust Fall," "What Lurks Below," and "The Art of Difficult Conversations."
At the meeting spot, each chair had a box labeled, “DO NOT OPEN UNTIL INSTRUCTED.” This set the stage for our first learning lab, led by Chelsea Boozer, focusing on trust in the water industry. The lesson that stuck with me: trust takes time to build but can be lost in an instant.
Next, we were ushered onto buses—destination unknown. The time came to open our boxes, after reflecting on something we feared. Inside? A strawberry frosted doughnut. It was a moment of lighthearted relief amid serious introspection, and a reminder that conquering our fears often brings unexpected rewards.
The next stop? Sea World. For the "What Lurks Below" learning lab, we gathered in an aquarium, sharks circling above us as we discussed facing fears head-on, both in life and work. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect—immersed in the eerie tranquility of the ocean’s predators, we learned that confronting our fears, like swimming with sharks, can be liberating.
After writing poetry inspired by water sources that held personal meaning, we headed to our final lab of the day: "The Art of Difficult Conversations." Held in a children’s museum, we engaged in exercises on solving community water challenges and creatively navigating tricky dialogues. The setting’s playful atmosphere helped us tackle these tough topics with openness and innovation.
Our final venue was a stunning old church, The Spire, built in 1884. The day began with a town hall led by Little Rock, Arkansas’ Mayor, Frank Scott Jr., where we discussed the role of government in water management. It was a rare chance to gain real-time answers to pressing questions about the intersection of policy and water issues.
As a fitting close, our hosts, Chelsea Boozer (Rogue Water Lab) and Greg Wukasch (San Antonio Water System) took us behind the curtain, showing us how the entire Catalyst experience was crafted. We learned that creating such an immersive event requires thinking far beyond the ordinary, a mindset we were encouraged to take back into our own work.
I’ll be honest—stepping into the unknown isn’t easy for someone like me, who struggles with anxiety. Before the event, I texted Chelsea, asking about the schedule, and was met with a simple, “You’ll find out at the hotel.” Panic ensued, but I chose to trust the process. Even when I was tempted to retreat for some BBQ after Day 1, it was my coworker, Jeff Biberdorf, who nudged me to push through and meet new people.
Catalyst 2024 was more than just an event—it was a life-altering experience that forced me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unexpected. I left San Antonio with new knowledge, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. This experience has shown me that my voice truly matters in the water industry. I realize I need to be more vocal in my work, as I often find myself stepping back from the spotlight. Coming from a background in art and design, I once saw it as a potential limitation in my water career, but I now recognize it as my superpower. My unique perspective fuels creative problem-solving and allows me to approach challenges from fresh, unconventional angles.
If you ever find yourself questioning whether to attend something so unconventional, just go. You’ll thank me later.
