Compelling Connections – How and Why Your Influence Matters

Our influence matters more than we realize! Join the DPPC chapter of Florida Public Relations Association for this fun and inspiring presentation by author, game designer, and filmmaker, Tim Walsh. Tim will screen clips from his documentary film, OPERATION: Operation and discuss the themes of play, connection, and vulnerability. In 1964, John Spinello invented a game that would eventually become the iconic board game, Operation. John sold the patent rights to his game to a toy development company for $500. The game went on to sell over 45 million copies, delighting generations of kids all over the world. In 2008, John lost his business and then discovered he needed surgery he could not afford. Fellow game inventor, Peggy Brown joined Tim to launch a crowd-funding campaign that called on Operation fans to help John pay for his surgery. The story broke and soon John was on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, and dozens of other TV shows. Within 8 days the campaign raised over $32,000 for John’s surgery! Hundreds of people wrote to thank John for the fun. Dozens of doctors, nurses, and even surgeons wrote to credit Operation as one of the influences that led them into the medical field. John learned the game he invented and the power of play have touched more people, in more ways, than he could have ever imagined. Tim also cites fun stories from his various creative projects and research on brain science and psychology to take his audience on an informative and memorable ride toward Compelling Connections. Whether we’re conscious of it or not, we use our influence as we “conduct” our lives and our businesses. What are you transmitting? Registration ends Monday, November 18.