By Jocklyn Mundy
Windermere resident Brian Buckley didn't just dream of change; he ignited it. Driven by a desire to encourage men to lead more fulfilling lives, and strive for greater personal and collective achievements, Brian launched the Better Man Event in 2004. A dynamic gathering designed to inspire men to pursue lives of greater meaning and impact. What began as a modest men’s group has exploded into an international phenomenon, reaching men across 60 countries in 19 languages.
The Inspirational Force
Brian exudes an infectious enthusiasm; his energy radiates positivity to those around him. With a genuine passion for uplifting others, Brian engages in purposeful discussions filled with encouragement and motivation. He has a knack for inspiring those he interacts with, always offering support and empowerment.
Brian’s journey to launching the Better Man Event was driven by the frustrations of low attendance, and mundane uninspiring men’s ministries. At this low point, he felt a divine nudge to take a leadership role rather than merely a supportive one. Buckley embraced this call, leading to the birth of the Better Man Event.
“I'm a business guy who was reading a book called Halftime by Bob Buford, in it Buford proposes, that whether you are a millionaire, a manager, or a teacher, you will one day have to transition from the struggle for success to the quest for significance. It changed my life, I wanted something more, I was ready for significance.”
The Vision
The Better Man Event (BME) was never designed to be a church conference, but rather a two-hour event. Each year, it is anchored by a unique theme that challenges attendees to reflect and aspire toward personal improvement. The event features a diverse array of speakers—from athletes and business moguls to spiritual leaders and entertainers—all sharing personal stories of overcoming adversity and aiming for higher standards.
From Local Gathering to Global Phenomenon
The inaugural BME started humbly with 40 attendees. Yet, the subsequent years saw exponential growth, with numbers doubling and then quadrupling as word spread of the event's impactful messages supporting personal development. Fueled by Brian’s passion, the event quickly grew.
By 2019, their growing popularity necessitated several venue changes, ultimately leading to a sold-out event at the UCF Arena. This milestone underscored not only its widespread appeal but also its impact on men pursuing a deeper sense of purpose in their lives.
Adaptation and Innovation
2020 brought unforeseen challenges with COVID-19 threatening to halt the burgeoning movement. However, Buckley and his team adapted, transitioning to a combination, of in-person and virtual formats that expanded their reach even further. The live-streamed event from Orlando reached attendees in 43 states and 17 countries, turning a crisis into a groundbreaking opportunity for global engagement. Brian says, “I like that energy. I don't want to be in a studio. I want that live audience. So, we had a small live audience here in Orlando, but then we broadcast out to the world.”
The Power of Influential Voices
The roster of past speakers is as diverse as it is impressive, featuring icons from various fields. Sports legends: Evander Holyfield, Tim Tebow, Emmitt Smith, Mariano Rivera, AC Green, Jonathan Isaac, McKenzie Milton, Pat Williams, Ricardo Kaka, Dick Vitale, Darryl Strawberry, Nick Anderson, Kirk Cousins, Vitor Belfort, Alexandre Pato, Michael McDowell, and Louis Oosthuizen legendary achievements inspire audiences worldwide. Business leaders like David Green of Hobby Lobby and inspirational figures like Nick Vujicic, known for his unwavering positivity despite facing immense physical challenges, Erwin McManus, and Mark Batterson uplift audiences with their powerful messages of hope and determination. The past lineup also includes musicians and entertainers; Jonathan Cain (Journey), Lecrae, Toby Mac, Brian Head Welch (KORN), and comedians, Michael Jr., and Brad Stine, whose talents transcend their respective fields to touch hearts and minds.
The Better Man Event has also featured, Denzel Washington, widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
This array of speakers has brought unique perspectives and expertise to the stage, captivating, and inspiring better men.
2024 and Beyond: A Continued Legacy
As BME approaches its 20th anniversary, the event shows no signs of slowing down. This year's event is scheduled to take place, on June 15th from 6-8 pm at Full Sail University. The theme, "Fatherless No More," will tackle significant social issues head-on. The lineup includes influential figures; Daddy Yankee, Paul Teutal Jr. of American Chopper Fame, and Curtis Martin, who will share their journeys and insights on transforming adversity into action.
The Impact of Better Men
The Better Man Event has profoundly affected countless men, encouraging them to become better fathers, husbands, brothers, and leaders, and inspiring men worldwide to strive beyond mediocrity. It underscores the strength of unity and the far-reaching impact of one person's choice to prioritize significance over mere achievement.
Brian Buckley’s initiative demonstrates that with the right mix of faith, determination, and community, a world-changing impact can be made—one life at a time.
The Better Man Event | betterman365.com
