An EO Unconference where every participant gives and gets support.When you apply to attend, you commit to contribute.
What Is the Grit Unconference?
This isn't your typical EO conference. There are no keynote speakers, no open bar, and no spectators.
At the Grit Unconference, you help shape the agenda. Participants lead sessions, facilitate conversations, and collaborate through shared experience — all in real time. Each session is built by EO members, for EO members.
It’s open, unpredictable, and packed with value.
The outcome: a few unforgettable days of peer-driven learning, genuine connection, and practical breakthroughs that move your business — and your mindset — forward.
About Grit
Grit started as a WhatsApp chat for EO members who were willing to show up honestly — to share the hard stuff, ask for help, and offer their own lessons in return.
In just over a year, this group has hosted over 100 member-led learning sessions, none with paid speakers and all powered by community generosity.
The Grit Unconference is that same spirit — live and in person. A chance to take what we’ve built online and make it real: fireside conversations, shared challenges, and the kind of learning that only happens face to face.
What to Expect
Forget the ballroom agendas, conference apps and PowerPoint decks.
The Grit Unconference follows a “whiteboard” model — a flexible schedule created by participants, on site.
When you arrive, you’ll see blank session slots waiting to be filled. You can write your name beside a topic you’d like to lead, or join one that calls to you.
Grit Talks
Short, actionable lessons from peers who've been there.
Grit Circles
Small groups sharing real challenges in a confidential space.
Grit Ups
Collaborative problem-solving sessions built around member-submitted topics.
Who Should Attend
This experience is for EO members who believe in giving as much as they gain.You might be:
- Facing challenges with growth, sales, cash flow, people, or mindset.
- Ready to share how you've navigated similar obstacles.
- Craving meaningful connection and practical learning.
If you want five-star dining, this isn't your event.
If you want five-star conversations, you’re in the right place.
Eligibility Criteria
This event is for EO members who are part of the Grit Community, EO Accelerator members, and forum trained SLPs who are attending with a member. It is also open to some former EO members (alumni) who generously share their experiences in the Grit Community.
Your Role as a Participant
There are no spectators here — everyone contributes. When you apply, you’ll choose how you want to participate:
Lead a Session
Teach something you've mastered or share a story others can learn from.
Host a Grit Circle
Facilitate a small group of peers to tackle a challenge together.
Volunteer on Site
Help coordinate ride shares from the airport or support the evening social activities.
Location & Experience
We're gathering at Historic Banning Mills, a rustic retreat one hour outside Atlanta.
Nestled in the woods and home to the world’s longest zipline course, Banning Mills offers treehouses, cabins, and natural meeting spaces that spark creativity and connection.
Think early morning walks, open-air sessions, and fireside reflections — the kind of setting where ideas flow freely and conversations run deep.
Lodging Options
First-Come, First-Served
Your application includes your lodging selection. Banning Mills offers a variety of accommodations, from shared rooms to private treehouses. When applying, you’ll rank your top three choices. Rooms are assigned based on availability after applications are approved.
Room selection and pricing will be confirmed before your card is charged.
Treehouse Suites
Limited availability, single occupancy.
Lodge Rooms
Shared accommodations with assigned roommates.
Cabins
Multi-room setups for small groups.
Optional Adventure Activities
Self-Pay Add-Ons
One afternoon is reserved just for fun — a block of time set aside for optional, self-pay adventures designed to help you recharge, connect, and challenge yourself in new ways. You’ll select your preferred activities during the application process.
Ziplining and High Ropes Challenge
Guided Nature Hike
Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Massage and Wellness Experiences
Agenda
Your experience at-a-glance
At an Unconference, the Agenda is set by the participants at the event. So don’t expect to see topics and speakers and times in advance.
Here’s a general idea of what a schedule might look like. But we’re counting on you to fill in the details when you get there!
Day 1
TuesdayApril 28, 2026
- Arrival
- Welcome Dinner
- Whiteboard Kickoff
Day 2
WednesdayApril 29, 2026
- Grit Circles
- Learning Sessions
- Fireside Conversations
Day 3
ThursdayApril 30, 2026
- Morning Sessions
- Afternoon Adventures
- Closing Dinner
Day 4
FridayMay 1, 2026
- Reflection Breakfast
- Departures
Application &Ticket Details
This is an application-only event with limited capacity. Applying means committing to contribute.
Tickets are non-refundable and only transferrable with permission from the organizing committee.
How It Works
Complete your application, including your preferred lodging, activity choices, and how you plan to participate.
A subcommittee of Gritters will review your application, lodging preference and activity request to ensure you are eligible to attend and willing to contribute.
Once approved, you will receive an invoice for the full event based on your assigned accommodations and activity. You must pay the invoice within 48 hours to confirm your spot.
Pricing
Ticket prices range from $500–$950 all-inclusive (meals and lodging included)
Optional Activities
Costs for optional activities vary and are not included in the ticket price.
FAQ
Have questions?
Learn more about what an Unconference is and how everything works here. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
An Unconference is a participant-led event where attendees create and lead the sessions. It’s collaborative, unscripted, and focused on peer-to-peer learning.
A small group of Gritters are reviewing applications to ensure that applicants are eligible to attend and willing to contribute. Preference will be given to EO members who are active in the EO Grit community WhatsApp channel.
If you share our values of openness, generosity, and mutual support, you’ll fit right in.
You have to participate in some way. You’ll choose how you contribute: by leading, facilitating, or volunteering.
Yes. Your ticket covers all meals and lodging for the duration of the event.
This event is for registered EO participants only. Forum trained SLPs are able to attend and participate with the EO member.
Banning Mills is about one hour from Atlanta International Airport. Members are encouraged to meet at Atlanta airport and drive to the resort together. Transportation details and ride-share coordination will be available in our attendee WhatsApp group.
All meals are provided on-site and are designed to be hearty, communal, and energizing — perfect for fueling a day of learning and connection. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other common dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice during the application process.
Beer and wine will be available during the evening meals. Banning Mills does not allow alcohol in public spaces so there will not be alcohol available at other times. The focus is on conversation and connection, not cocktails.
What’s Next?
Apply to participate.
Once accepted, you’ll be invited to a private Grit Unconference WhatsApp group to coordinate travel, share ideas, and connect with fellow participants before the event.
