I didn’t know it at the time, but applying to the 20th edition of SABF would unexpectedly shape the next few years of my life. What started as a simple application to participate became something much larger:a journey through different roles, responsibilities, and perspectives that gradually changed how I think, work, and relate to others. A conference I didn’t know much about has become one of those things you may ask me about and get an instant smile and endless stories about.
It started in 2024, when I heard about SABF through some friends at university. I didn’t think much of it until I sat down to read what the conference was about and that edition’s topics — they spoke to my heart and some experiences I was going through, so I decided to apply.
I went through several revisions of my essay until I submitted my final draft. After a few weeks, I got the email I had been longing for. “Congratulations you’ve been accepted to the 2024 edition of the South American Business Forum”. I believe some jumping around may have ensued at this point. I will neither confirm nor deny…
The first day rolled around. I suited up, got on the subway, and got off at the closest station to the hotel and the smiles began. I was greeted by joyous SABF staff members and countless people who had traveled from around the world to attend — needless to say, they won “who’s traveled the farthest”. I quickly befriended many people and was amazed by the diversity of projects, experiences, and stories people shared. We took pictures, shared contacts, and laughed as we shared many different stories.
The next morning, I found myself breathless at all the presentations. I remember some of them dearly. Erika Young gave a phenomenal presentation followed by a Q&A on our social networks (our real-life friends and connections, not just the ones on our phones). She made remarks on many things, one of which included how “birds [people] of a feather flock together”… Nowadays, I smile whenever I listen to Billie Eilish — because of Billie’s song “Birds of a Feather”.
The most interesting aspect however, was the people. Psychology students, up-and-coming doctors, aspiring engineers, film makers… the list of careers people were pursuing was endless. The one thing in common was that all of them were makers, leaders, and shapers of the world around them. Everyone was eager to discuss topics and exchange ideas. These backgrounds shined on the Q&As, workshops, and other activities. Although I had been to other conferences around the world, SABF was by far the most diverse, which in turn fueled many interesting conversations and fun interactions.
During the workshop activities the following day, we took part in a variety of interactive workshops in small groups… One of which turned out to be an in-depth discussion with Diego Luzuriaga, whose words resonate with me to this day whenever I have a discussion around economics and startups.
On our third day, during the closing speech, Rob Britton (former CMO of American Airlines), highlighted the relentless so-called “invisible” work of the Conference Support Team (CST), a group of volunteers for the conference, who fill important but “subtle” roles such as brewing coffee for the breaks, sorting out food, and cleaning up. His words, bringing attention to these necessary but mostly invisible tasks, made me apply to become a part of the CST team next year. In the following edition, I brewed coffee whilst smiling to myself as I reflected on those words… I was glad to see him again in the 2025 edition and have a nice discussion together in between breaks.
In 2026, I would apply to be a part of the organizing team. Not even a year in, I can’t help but be glad I share a team with the most capable (and fun) people I’ve met. We’ve shared work, birthday parties, and milestones along the way.
Although a business conference by name, SABF has taught me far more about people and the world around us than any other event. The speakers, workshops, and new friends all bring a smile to my face whenever I talk about them, and yet it is so much more than that, and so hard to put into words.
If you’ve got questions, ask me about my experience at SABF, you're guaranteed to make me smile.
