Career Origins, Conference Leadership, Public Speaking, and Industry Lessons

Harry Javer describes discovering leadership early through sports, serving as captain even when he “rode the bench” his senior year. He entered hospitality unintentionally after booking concerts in college and later joining the Learning Annex, where he gained experience promoting seminars. A non-compete clause pushed him toward B2B conferences, and he created The Lodging Conference after observing an opportunity for a high-level event at a resort. Harry explains that the industry was new to him, so he learned by calling people, meeting them, and relying on his background in event management. He emphasizes the value of attending conferences to network, learn, and build relationships, saying he goes to “15 to 20 events a year.”

On public speaking, Harry recalls early discomfort, practicing scripts, and taking courses, including Dale Carnegie. He shares humorous mistakes, such as misintroducing an author, which taught him the importance of preparation. Harry advises starting small and practicing consistently. He also discusses risk, describing himself as a “singles hitter” who prefers starting small rather than taking large risks. Challenges such as 9/11 and the pandemic taught him to “put your head down” and trust that things work out.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”
• “It was totally by accident, totally not planned.”
• “Go to as many conferences and events as you can.”
• “Just practice.”
• “Don’t be so serious… it’s all gonna work out.”

Closing Reflection

Harry’s reflections highlight the value of embracing unexpected opportunities, learning continuously, and staying realistic about risk. He shows how practice and preparation build confidence, and how setbacks can lead to resilience when met with persistence. His experiences remind listeners that relationships, flexibility, and steady effort shape long careers. Harry emphasizes that leadership develops through small actions, humility, and the willingness to adapt. His advice encourages focusing on what you love, working hard, and treating others well as reliable foundations for success.