WAVERLY, Iowa — Mitch Matthews, a motivational speaker and author, will bring his “BIG Dream Gathering” to Wartburg College Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Registration begins at 6 p.m in Saemann Student Center’s Knights Ballroom. Matthews will speak from 6:30 p.m. to 7:10 p.m., after which participants will be encouraged to post their dreams, look at others’, and offer insight, connections, encouragement, resources or other advice to help them on their journey.

“We’ve seen a lot of people go after their big dreams even in hard times because they’ve written those dreams down and gotten some help,” Matthews said. “We know that real people going after their big dreams is what made this country great.”  

People of all ages are invited to attend and post their dreams.

Matthews co-founded the BIG Dream Gathering in 2006 as he was about to give up on his own “big” dream.

“This event is designed to be a safe environment where individuals from many paths can come together and share their dreams,” said TJ Warren, Pathways associate for vocation and mentoring. “The Big Dream Gathering brings communities together and helps them learn about one another in an effort to help every individual pursue their calling. I firmly believe in Mitch Matthews’ idea that now, more than ever, we need to dream big and take action.” 

BIG Dream Gatherings have brought thousands of individuals one step closer to realizing their dream. College students have scored Pulitzer Prize-winning mentors and landed dream internships in cities around the world. An elementary school teacher got the help she needed to send truckloads of school supplies to Africa. Others have made the connections needed to get a foot in the door at Nike, Pixar and other high-profile companies.

“The list goes on and on. These events fuel people to pursue their dreams and can often ignite some incredible action,” Warren said. “When these events are well-supported and heavily attended, some incredible things can happen.

“Some dreams are simple, others complex, but all of them matter and are worth striving for. Why not help each other reach our biggest dreams?”

For more information about Mitch Matthews visit www.mitchmatthews.com. Additional information about the BIG Dream Gathering can be found at www.bigdreamgathering.com. Information about the Wartburg College event is available at https://www.facebook.com/bigdreamgathering.