Confab was started by Richard “Dick” Pinsker Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), and several others, in 1978. Their vision was that Confab would serve as a forum for small consulting firms and sole proprietorships in the Western U.S. to get together and learn from each other. The Confab idea caught on and grew, and today’s event attracts hundreds of attendees from across the U.S., and many other countries. From that earliest event with just 22 attendees, the goal has consistently been to deliver in-the-trenches, actionable information by consultants and for consultants. The focus remains on tactics and practical applications rather than high-level wisdom and visions.

Confab has golf, a three-day agenda, several hundred participants, top-notch speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, hosts, ambassadors and a volunteer planning committee. Reno, Nevada became the natural choice for the Confab venue, due to both accessibility and affordability.

According to founder Dick Pinsker, “Our strength was that we had continuity, spirit, interest and were a fun-loving group of people. Confab started out as a baby and the kid has grown up. You nurture it and see the results of your efforts. The reviews, indicating the impact on attendees, are great motivation. And it’s a lot of fun too.”