Andrea Driessen

Why are eulogies only for the dying? In this funny, touching talk, Andrea Driessen maintains that writing loved ones, close friends. and colleagues “gracenotes” – a kind of living eulogy – is a potent tool for connection and belonging. And a way to lessen grief and regret.

After all, we know everyone wants to know they matter, and here Andrea gives us a straightforward way to show others HOW they matter—while they’re still alive to hear it.

Especially in a world mired in a pandemic, as we get daily reminders of how quickly life can change and fade.

Andrea is a learning designer, writer, and internationally award-winning business owner who helps people and organizations worldwide become more capable, communicative, and connected.

Andrea found her heart’s work at Providence Hospice of Seattle, where she has been volunteering since 2016. Through her interactions with people who are dying—and their loved ones who are living—she developed a powerful, actionable practice for lessening the pain of grief and regret, boosting happiness, and shifting how we move through the world.

Andrea’s 3x award-winning book, The Non-Obvious Guide to Event Planning: For Kick-Ass Gatherings that Inspire People, is in its second printing.