This year’s TribeFest surpassed last year’s premier event. Going into the event, I was excited that our St. Louis delegation grew, bringing 17 young professionals to Vegas. It was especially special for me to share this experience with 2 of my cousins, Danielle and Jared Kohn (and our grandma was thrilled about the potential to meet Jewish spouses!).
The ‘Main Stage’ presented influential Jewish figureheads such as JFNA President and CEO Jerry Silverman, comedian Rachel Dratch, Olympian Lenny Krayzelburg, Assistant to the President Jonathan Greenblatt, and many more. My favorite speaker was Talia Leman, an energetic 17 year-old who, at the age of 10, raised 10 million dollars for Katrina relief. She now runs her own non-profit, RandomKid, that leverages the power of youth to solve world issues. She mentioned recent success with an initiative in St. Louis, so I look forward to her return as a project that could reunite and involve our St. Louis delegation.
I had the most fun at the nightly Mash-Ups, happy hours for TribeFest attendees. With food and drinks included, they provided an opportunity to socialize with fellow St. Louisians and meet people from other delegations. Jewish bands and musicians played lively music in front of a packed dance floor.
Back in St. Louis, I look forward to reconnecting with the St. Louis delegation and implementing this inspiration in our community. We are planning a TribeFest Shabbat, as well as encouraging attendees to participate in upcoming Federation events such as speaker Gil Hoffman on April 22 and Day of Service on April 29.
As we come back and tell our friends about our incredible experiences, I look forward to even more young professionals from our community attending next year’s event in Dallas!
*Next year’s Young Leadership Conference will be held in Dallas, March 10-12.
Matt Price, Lory Cooper
Excited for the Opening Main Stage. Presenters include JFNA CEO Jerry Silverman, author AJ Jacobs, comedian Rachel Dratch, and activist Talia Leman.
Lory Cooper, Jared Kohn, Danielle Kohn
Enjoying TribeFest with my cousins. 
Matt Price, Lory Cooper, Annie Fischman, Danielle Kohn, Ben Cherry, Dave Gutwein
Some St. Louisians hanging out at Monday’s Mash-Up.
Lory Cooper served as Chair of TribeFest St. Louis
Welcome to the official STL Goes To TribeFest blog.
