The Anti-Conference
For Scaling Founders
The Anti-Conference For Scaling Founders
- Upstate New York
- June 9-12, 2025
- Upstate New York
- June 9-12, 2025
As Featured In...
Welcome to the underground haven for founders & CEO’s! This community unites visionaries across industries, offering exclusive events and a deeper, annual membership for nurturing long-term professional and personal growth.
If you are in the pivotal 5-25 million grow & scale phase, if you’ve transitioned from the initial hustle of entrepreneurship to that of strategic leadership, if you want to have good times with other founders, cut lightyears off your learning curve, and grow financially…
Then join us in the pristine Finger Lakes for a luxury lakefront resort takeover. Get ready for five-star dining that’ll make your taste buds dance, exciting boat cruises, endless lake activities, mesmerizing live music performances, soothing barrel saunas, massages, wellness offerings, and drinks that flow like Niagara Falls (unlimited, of course).
One of the most respected clinicians and educators in the fields of functional medicine and ancestral health
Attorney & Entrepreneur
CEO of San Francisco Crossfit
THE FLAGSHIP
YOUR PORTAL TO NEXT LEVEL GROWTH
Over the past ten years, our social scientists at Baby Bathwater have developed a proprietary formula for quantum wave manipulation and ultimate ‘good times’.
Minimizing the ‘bathwater’ and maximizing the ‘baby’ to the best of our abilities, always improving, and never settling…
Our flagship events are a chance to break out of your shell, supercharge your network, hit that pressure release valve, and return home recharged with actionable takeaways from 18+ content sessions and countless life-altering convos. Our lakeside campus will be home to ~120 carefully curated guests, including our welcoming Members who drive the culture and newcomers who have been selected for this event.
You’ll be surrounded by:
- Like-minded peers who genuinely understand your journey
- Content & conversations that will cut lightyears off of your business growth
- Support & energy to carry out your lofty ambitions
But space is extremely limited:
We launched this event exclusively to our Members in November ‘23, and are thrilled to report that over half of the available tickets have already been snatched up.
The remaining spots have now been opened to the Non-Members. Demand is high, with over half of the tickets already spoken for and the remaining spots are going fast. We STRONGLY suggest you take action to avoid a most severe case of FOMO.
THE PEER GROUP YOU'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR
A glimpse into the peer group you will meet – real folks on their own version of a similar path.
The reason we attend social gatherings is to hang out with friends and make new connections. To ease your curiosity, here’s a sneak peek of a few of the confirmed attendees you will meet in New York. They come from various walks of life and industries, but have common threads. Collectively, they have seen it all, and they’re ready to share their knowledge with you!
Juliet Starrett
CEO, The Ready State
Juliet Starrett is an entrepreneur, attorney, author, and athlete dedicated to helping people move better. She is the co-founder and CEO of The Ready State, a leader in musculoskeletal self-care, and co-founded San Francisco CrossFit, one of the first 50 affiliates. A New York Times bestselling author, Juliet also co-hosts the Ready State Podcast and is a three-time world champion whitewater paddler.
Niraj Shah
Founder, DKZ Equity
Blake Kingsbury
Co-Founder, Vela Boatworks
Gretchen Leslie
Founder, The Wolf and Company
Gretchen is Founder of The Wolf and Company, a business dedicated to taking away the day-to-day concerns of running a company so that CEOs can focus on the things that really matter… with zero distractions.
Seth Conger
COO, Freedom Practice Coaching & Vibility
Seth is a business leader and innovator in Functional Medicine, with a track record of scaling and exiting successful ventures. He led a seven-figure practice, co-founded the first venture-funded startup in the Alzheimer’s space, and was published for his work in reversing cognitive decline. Now, he serves as COO of Freedom Practice Coaching and Vibility, driving innovation in healthcare and business coaching.
Melanie Merkling
Founder & CEO, Bonfire Ventures
From scaling consumer brands at Walmart and Sam’s Club to launching global adventures with her twins, Melanie embodies the adventurous spirit and business acumen that drive today’s dynamic markets. Her unique perspective on balancing life’s adventures with entrepreneurial ventures will both inspire and challenge you.
Joe Kensett
Co-Founder, SV Marketing
Mike Mathweg
Speaker & Consultant, Relentless Consulting
Mike Mathweg is a business strategist and insurance industry veteran who built and sold a successful agency before launching Relentless Consulting, where he helps insurance agents and agencies structure, scale, and sell on their own terms. After exiting his agency and briefly exploring the employee route, he realized his true passion: helping others build lasting success in the industry.
Doug Brackmann
Founder, Driven
Dr. Doug Brackmann is a psychologist with dual Ph.D.s in Clinical Psychology and Organizational Business Psychology. Through a blend of mindfulness, neuroscience, and self-psychology theory, Dr. Brackmann has worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs, athletes, and other top performers to overcome anxiety, addiction, and self-sabotage. With over 15 years of experience, he now focuses on expanding his teachings, helping driven individuals master their gifts and achieve personal fulfillment.
Koshal Latifzai
Co-Founder, Rocky Mountain Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Khoshal Latifzai is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician, trained at Dartmouth and Yale. He specializes in advanced non-surgical orthopedics and regenerative medicine, working with professional athletes, including the Denver Broncos. With expertise in nutrition, hormone replacement, and stem cell therapy, Dr. Latifzai focuses on improving patient quality of life through cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments.
Shawna Davis
Founder & CEO, Your Daily
Shawna is a wellness advocate and expert in helping women heal from burnout and autoimmune conditions holistically. After spending years battling her own health challenges and putting multiple autoimmune diseases into remission naturally, Shawna now empowers high-achieving women to restore their health. With a background in branding, marketing, and digital product building, she leverages her personal journey to guide others toward holistic wellness and recovery.
Dale Schober
Founder & CEO, Radventures
As the Founder & CEO of Radventures, a top-rated adventure tour operator in the Canadian Rockies, Dale has transformed a passion for adventure travel into a thriving business. Starting in 2020 with a single van and a bold vision, Radventures has since grown into a multi-seven-figure business with a team of 25. Recognized by TripAdvisor and the Alberta Business Awards, Dale continues to push the boundaries of adventure tourism while welcoming explorers from around the globe.
Brooke Cornetet
CEO, Greenhouse Fabrics
Brooke is the 4th generation in her family’s textile business. After earning a degree from High Point University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University, she took over the company, focusing on culture, technology, and systems. She also launched Anna Elisabeth, a textile brand for interior designers, and is testing another concept set to launch in 2024.
Alan Morte
President, Three Ventures Technology
Alan Morte is the President and Principal Consultant of Three Ventures Technology, Inc. With over 15 years of experience, he leads a team that helps lead generation and ecommerce organizations identify, acquire, and retain their most valuable customers. Alan specializes in data architecture, cloud solutions, technical marketing, and performance measurement. He is also an invited member of the Forbes Agency Council and frequently speaks at industry events.
Melanie Balke
Founder & CEO, The Email Marketers
Melanie was born in Germany, where she started her career in marketing consulting. After stumbling into a start-up project, she fell in love with the fast-paced, young company world. Later, when she moved to LA, she joined one of the first – if not the first – furniture e-commerce brands, Apt2B. After a few years of in-house and agency experience for e-commerce brands as well as the Head of Email Marketing for LA’s fastest-growing agency, Melanie founded her own Email Marketing Agency.
Doug Pohl
Founder & CEO, HealthTech Content
Doug Pohl specializes in creating powerful messaging and content strategies that bridge the gap between healthcare brands and their audience. With a focus on understanding how people feel about their challenges, Doug helps brands connect deeply with their customers to drive engagement and results. His expertise has supported companies like Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes, and AMN Healthcare to stand out in competitive markets and achieve significant growth.
THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Our guestlist is a highly-curated melting pot of brands, services, investors, mentors, thought leaders and up-and-comers. This special stew will catalyze growth and leave you filled to the brim with the energy, support, and relationships needed to carry out your lofty ambitions.
NO PITCHING ALLOWED!
This event is your safe, pitch-free place to grow. No one’s gonna ask you to sign up or buy anything. The person you sit next to at lunch won’t try to recruit you or give you the hard sell.
Along with never being pitched and never being asked to open your wallet… this also means that all your other inhabitants are more comfortable kicking back and getting real here than anywhere else.
Went from Health Blogger to 8-Figure Skin Care Business
Acclaimed Documentary Filmmaker & first person to monetize without using traditional distribution channels
2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt & US Army veteran
THE PEOPLE
EVERYONE HERE HAS SOMETHING TO TEACH, AND SOMETHING TO LEARN
There are zero invisible dividing lines at Baby Bathwater happenings. Everyone here is personally invited. Everyone pays to attend. And everyone shares incredible value.
Hang out, ask questions, and have a drink with your fellow attendees (drinks are on us).
We don’t have paid “guru” speakers. We have generous content providers who are here to learn as much as they are here to teach. Who knows — we just might call on you to be on a panel or share your content after you successfully interview with us.
You’ll leave this event armed with an arsenal of ideas and action steps proven to be effective in the real world.
Cheers to making new connections that last a lifetime…
Wellness: Perform at Your Best
We believe in supporting your overall well-being to help you perform at your best. Guests will enjoy a range of wellness activities and amenities designed to put your body and mind in the best possible position to succeed. Burnout be gone!
Barrel Saunas
Fitness Center
Cold Therapy
Yoga
Qi Gong
Access to Luxury Spa
Massages
Breathwork
Activities: Choose Your Own Adventure
At our events, we’re all about giving you options galore! Want some action? Hop on our pontoon and speed boats, try wakesurfing, or paddle around on stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, or waterbikes. If relaxation is more your vibe, take a dip in our heated lakefront pool or kick back in the hot tub. Plus, we’ve got yard games for a little extra fun. It’s all about doing your thing and making memories your way.
Unlike other events, we do not have a strict schedule you must follow. This is YOUR entrepreneurial adventure.
Pontoon Boats
Speed Boats
Heated Lakefront Pool & Hot Tub
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Wakesurfing
Hydro Bikes
Kayaks
Yard Games
The Entertainment:
A Shot of Soul
Life is way too short for just learning stuff… It’s time to come out of costume. There is not the business you and the you—there is only the you!
Connect with your peers, hang out by the fire, and dance under the stars to live music across various genres. We’re not talking about your average musicians either; we’ve handpicked the absolute best. These headliners, known for rocking legendary venues like Red Rocks and Madison Square Garden, are here exclusively for us, bringing their talent to our intimate gatherings every night.
No need to stand in lines; just sip on unlimited beverages and enjoy the all-inclusive experience with your new friends for life – Who knows, you might even stay up all night to watch the sun rise over the lake…and remember why you started your business in the first place.
YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
- Participation In The Event
- Lakefront Accomodations
- Incredible Food
- Unlimited Beverages
- World Renowned Musical Entertainment
- Stimulating Content
- Access To All Activities and Wellness Offerings
Apply Now
Former CEO of $800 Million-Dollar Health & Wellness Company
Answers to All Your Questions Right Here
Before the event, all attendees will receive access to the Baby Bathwater event app, which includes the full event schedule and all important details.
Here’s a quick overview to help you plan your time with us in New York:
Day 1: Arrival in New York
Please plan to arrive at the venue by 5PM on Monday, June 9th. We will provide a Ride Share Doc to help you coordinate rides with other attendees and a Lyft discount code to help you get to the venue. Things officially kick off at 2PM. Please note that you will not be allowed to check in to your room before 3PM local time, but we will have drinks and snacks available in the meantime.
Days 2 & 3: Fun in the Sun
Each day is jam packed with activities! We’ll have morning wellness, a full day of engaging content sessions, and water recreation activities throughout the day. You’ll have time to unwind by the pool or at the Sand Bar in between sessions and meals, and we’ll end each day with dinner, live music, and good times.
Day 4: Departure Day
On our final day, brunch will be available throughout the morning/afternoon, and shuttles to the airport will run at 6AM, 8AM, 10AM, 12PM, and 2PM. The event officially concludes at 2PM on Thursday, June 12th.
We recommend flying into either Rochester International Airport (ROC) or Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) as they are the closest airports to the venue.
Your registration includes:
- Participation in the event
- Shared lakefront accommodations
- Incredible food
- Alcohol (No bar tabs!)
- World renowned musical entertainment
- Stimulating content
- Access to all activities and wellness offerings
- High-speed internet
- Spacious in-room Waterworks rain showers
- In-room Nespresso machine
- Filtered water throughout the property
- Luxury spa
- Lakeside barrel saunas
- Cold therapy
- Fitness center (Free weights, treadmills, ellipticals, Peloton Bike, and more)
- Lush private garden
- Crystal clear lakefront
- Multiple bars & restaurants
- Heated lakefront pool
- Private daybeds
- Hot tub
- Boat Cruises (Speed boats, Pontoon Boats, Wakesurf Boats)
- Watersports (Wake Surfing, Kayak, Paddleboard, Canoe, Water Bike)
Click HERE to review our event cancellation policy.
When you attend your first Baby Bathwater event it is a first date of sorts… Only after getting to know each other over four or five days can we decide if we’re a good match for each other for the longer term.
Just know that at our events, you will never be pitched and we will never ask you to open your wallet. Period.
After our events we review any new folks that we may want to invite into our core membership community. This includes getting feedback from our members, team, event staff, bartenders, and service staff.
If after the event you feel like you have “finally found your people”, and we believe that you are also “our kind of people”…. then we may invite you to join our year-long membership community.
Any new addition is an integral part of Baby Bathwater Institute’s tradition – Mixing Business With Pleasure like no other group!
You’ll finally have friends who understand you: Let’s be real, being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey. But at Baby Bathwater, you’ll be surrounded by a bunch of other weirdos who get you, and have experience navigating similar issues in business and life.
You’ll get access to brilliant minds: Ever get stuck on a problem for hours, days, or even weeks? With Baby Bathwater, you’ll have access to some of the brightest entrepreneurs and business owners who have already been through it. Just ask a question and they’ll share their wisdom.
You’ll be part of a community that actually cares: No fake smiles or forced conversations here. The Baby Bathwater crew genuinely cares about each other’s success, and they’re not afraid to show it. If you need help with anything, just say the word and they’ll come running.
You’ll have more fun than you ever thought possible: Baby Bathwater isn’t your typical stuffy networking event. With events on an Island, in the mountains, heli-skiing, and river rafting, you’ll have a blast while building valuable relationships. And who knows, you might even meet your future business partner, best friend, or significant other. Anything is possible at The Baby Bathwater Institute.
We understand that being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey, which is why we’ve created a community that emphasizes authentic connections and emotional support. At Baby Bathwater, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your experiences and challenges. Through our events and ongoing membership community, you’ll form friendships and connections that provide the understanding, empathy, and encouragement you need to thrive.
The ideal fit for the Baby Bathwater community is a company founder with a success story built on following their instincts, grit, and creativity. They come from various backgrounds and financial levels of success, and typically have a business ranging from 7 to 9 figures. These individuals didn’t necessarily follow traditional career paths, often facing doubts from others, but have proven their resilience and passion for creating. They value genuine connections and understand that status games don’t lead to happiness. With a thirst for life and a commitment to enjoying the journey, our members embrace the entrepreneurial roller coaster and prioritize support, camaraderie, and good times within the Baby Bathwater community.
Founder, U.S. and World Green Building Councils
15 Billion Square Feet of Green Buildings in Over 100 Countries
Took Beach Body from $100 million to $1 billion
Has been featured on numerous media outlets such as Dr. Oz, Bloomberg, WSJ, Entrepreneur, and Women's Health
