TAKE THE STAGE, TELL YOUR STORY & DESTIGMATIZE FAILURE FOR US ALL.
Share the tales of fails we’re never
(ever) “supposed to” say out loud.
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE MARCH 20TH, 2026
What’s the biggest failure you’ve caused/had a hand in? Whether it’s a professional or personal f*ck up, we just want your gosh-honest truth.
FILL OUT YOUR APP
Being selected as a speaker means you pinky promise to be in Denver, Colorado the night of Saturday, September 19th, 2026.
COME TO DENVER, CO
Take the stage & tell your 7-minute story in front of 150 of the kindest folks you’ll ever meet. They’ll laugh with you, cry with you & celebrate you.
GIVE A TOAST TO FAILURE
WE’RE SO THRILLED YOU WANNA SPEAK AT THE 2026 BALL!
Confetti cannons are a thing around here.
We really respect your time — so before you dig into the questions & dish about fails, here's some total transparency.
THIS IS A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY.
Just like our President/Founder (hi!), Board of Directors, and silent auction helpers, speakers are volunteering their time for this event.
Since we're a public charity & nonprofit, we're unable to reimburse for donated time or travel expenses. We do support you in other ways, though. (Just scroll down for deets.)
If this isn't cool with you, we totally get it.
But if you're one of the raucous renegades ready to destigmatize failure, let's begin.
Okay, so maybe we’re not stuffing your pockets with wads of cash — but we’ve still compiled fancy speaker bonuses totaling over $10k. You deserve it. We like you. And we’re so glad you’re here.
OTHER WAYS WE LOVE ON YOU.
1:1 & GROUP MENTORING
Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or new to the stage, every selected speaker gets 1:1 storytelling mentorship with the indelible Mike Ganino, clocking in at a $10k value. (For real.)
TOTAL OWNERSHIP
Your speech will not be recorded outside of a few short clips for social (unless you choose to record it yourself), and you own 100% of your story & the intellectual property that goes along with it.
2 FREE TICKETS
Every single speaker gets totally 2 free tickets to the Ball ($440 value) — one for themselves, and one for a guest of their choosing. Just a heads up that your guest does have to be at least 21, though.
SAFE SPACE TO PROCESS
Isn’t it silly how shame and secrecy seem to create more shame and secrecy? Erase any embarrassment about past f*ck ups — with 150 kind folks who are hanging on your every word & here for all your fails.
MEET MIKE GANINO.
YOUR STORYTELLING DIRECTOR & MENTOR.
Mike Ganino is the name whispered backstage at the biggest events, conferences & meetings after someone asks the keynote speaker: What's your secret weapon?
He’s a renowned public speaking coach, storytelling director, and international best-selling author of Make a Scene.
He turns speakers into the hottest headliners by developing their stage presence, performance, and overall narrative.
He works with professional speakers, bestselling authors, and the titans of industry — and been found around organizations like Adobe, Netflix, Disney, American Century Investments, Caesars Entertainment, and the American Heart Association.
NOW HE’S HERE TO MENTOR YOU.
YOU’LL BE IN THE BEST COMPANY.
From Emmy award-winning producers to million-dollar business founders, dozens of incredible humans have taken our stage since 2020.
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Any and all, plz & thank you. There’s quite literally no topic off limits — from business fails and relationship stuff to addiction and homelessness.
The most important part? You should feel comfortable enough talking about it/not retraumatize yourself. It’s okay if you cry! Just don’t do active damage to your heart, okay?
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Nope! Every year the speaker lineup is sourced from a wiiiiide array of industries, jobs, and lives. Own a company? Cool! Parenting fulltime? Cool! Work for corporate? Cool!
We care so much more about the honesty of your story than a byline on a resume.
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Outside of a few short clips for social media (think less than 30 seconds) your speech stays totally private.
We know these stories are personal, and we’re very much living by the rule: What happens at the Ball stays at the Ball.
That said, if you want your speech recorded in full, you’re definitely welcome to bring someone to record only your speech.
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Applications are due on March 20th, 2026!
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You’ll know either way (because we’ll never leave you flappin’ in the wind) by May 1st, 2026.
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Heck yes it’s okay! We’ve been the first stage ever for a fair few of our speakers, and we’re here to help you feel comfortable — and confident — every step of the way.
NO STORY UNTOLD.
NO FAILURE
UNCELEBRATED.
APPS CLOSE MARCH 20TH.
Take 15 minutes to tell us about your favorite fail. You’ll hear from us by May 1st, 2026 about the status of your application!
