Each year, my business partners and I look forward to the one time of year when we gather to celebrate our company, and look into the future of where we are headed. This year, it was a very different convention.

Three days before the event was set to kick off, the shooting at Mandalay Bay occurred. Many struggled with whether or not to attend. Some approached the city with caution. Others felt more compelled to go. But all who did go, went with the intention to offer support, and most of all, to spread some much needed love.

What was it like to visit a city that was broken and grieving?

It was emotional. And powerful. And somehow it felt right once we arrived. It was different than the previous year’s convention, but in a way, it was better. There was a calm about the city that I had never felt. I had many conversations during those five days with the people of Las Vegas. From the cab drivers, to the casino workers, to the hotel staff and restaurant employees. They all agreed on one simple thing. That the only way they would heal, was to receive immense love in any way possible, and not feel fear towards a city that they love. So love is exactly what we brought.

For five days we stood, arms and hearts linked with one another. One thing was for sure. I never felt afraid. It’s almost as if Vegas wrapped its arms around us, and even when I checked out, one of the hotel managers thanked me for coming to convention after everything that had happened. He was working the night of the shooting and described how the hotel’s lobby was used for triage and as a safe zone. He described the hundreds that flooded through his doors for help and how proud he was of how his staff responded. And then he said that from the moment the very first person arrived from our corporate office to begin preparations for convention, there was a constant outpouring of love and kindness that was felt by everyone.

I will never understand the hatred in this world. I will never be able to put into words to my children, the reasons why people commit such acts. All I can do is teach them to pour love into this world, until one day, it overcomes evil. I’m proud to say that the same values I want to instill in my children are the core values of the incredible company I am so lucky to work for.

Thank you Las Vegas.

You truly are #vegasstrong