Episode 74
How To Organize The Biggest In-Person Event For Skilled Indian Immigrants in The US
What does it take to create the largest gathering ever for skilled Indian immigrants in the United States? In this episode, we sit down with the visionary behind the Open Atlas Summit 2025 , a groundbreaking event designed to connect, empower, and celebrate the Indian professional diaspora in America.
First moves to steal
- Organize The Biggest In-Person Event For Skilled Indian Immigrants in The US
- Planning and Logistics of the Event
- What does it take to create the largest gathering ever for skilled Indian immigrants in the United States?
- We start with the origin story—how the idea for the Open Atlas Summit was born, and the gap it aims to fill in the immigrant professional community.
- You’ll hear firsthand what it’s like to secure high-profile keynote speakers , the strategies behind attracting the right voices, and how to align them with the summit’s mission.
- We explore why crafting an interactive, participatory experience is critical for creating lasting impact, and how innovative programming is being woven into the summit to keep attendees involved from start to finish.
Fast scan timestamps
Transcript-backed moments
A few lines worth stealing before you hand over the full hour.
Sara Balis Subramani is one of the biggest creators today for Indian internationals in the US. She's a 3x published author recipient of the 01A visa and her online content reaches 5 to
visa and her online content reaches 5 to 6 million people per month across all platforms. But now she's trying to pull off probably the hardest thing she's ever done, a firstofits-kind in-person
ever done, a firstofits-kind in-person 2-day conference only for skilled immigrants featuring some of the biggest and brightest Indian voices in America. We initially actually were going to
We initially actually were going to charge employers to join but at some point we realized we just want to help students. students. >> In this rather raw and candid conversation, Sandara takes us through
conversation, Sandara takes us through how she almost got VP Kamla Harris as keynote speaker for the conference. Details on profit margins and pricing across the board and collaborating with
Show notes
What does it take to create the largest gathering ever for skilled Indian immigrants in the United States? In this episode, we sit down with the visionary behind the Open Atlas Summit 2025, a groundbreaking event designed to connect, empower, and celebrate the Indian professional diaspora in America.
We start with the origin story—how the idea for the Open Atlas Summit was born, and the gap it aims to fill in the immigrant professional community. From there, our guest walks us through the intricate planning and logistics required to make an event of this scale a reality. You’ll hear firsthand what it’s like to secure high-profile keynote speakers, the strategies behind attracting the right voices, and how to align them with the summit’s mission.
But this isn’t just about big names—it’s about audience engagement. We explore why crafting an interactive, participatory experience is critical for creating lasting impact, and how innovative programming is being woven into the summit to keep attendees involved from start to finish.
The conversation dives into one of the most ambitious parts of the summit: the job fair. We unpack the challenges of designing a job fair that truly serves skilled immigrants, including how to get employers on board, ensure meaningful connections, and navigate visa-related complexities.
Behind the scenes, there’s also a story of team building and volunteer coordination. Our guest shares how she’s assembling a network of passionate contributors—both on the ground and virtually—who believe in the mission and are willing to put in the hours to make it happen.
The summit’s marketing strategy gets a spotlight too, with a discussion on the role of influencers and content creators in amplifying the event’s reach. Learn how strategic partnerships with digital voices can translate into real-world turnout and engagement.
We also highlight the innovative features and experiences planned for attendees—elements designed to make this summit more than just a conference, but an unforgettable milestone in the community’s history. Think immersive networking opportunities, skill-building workshops, and cultural showcases that celebrate identity alongside professional growth.
Of course, none of this happens without financial backing. We dive into the sponsorship model, the realities of fundraising, and the balance between maintaining event integrity and satisfying sponsor expectations.
The conversation closes on a powerful note about community and shared experiences—why this summit is more than an event, but a platform to build connections that will last long after 2025. It’s about creating a space where skilled Indian immigrants can see themselves, their value, and their future reflected on a global stage.
This episode is perfect for:
Skilled immigrants in the US looking for opportunities and community
Event organizers curious about large-scale conference planning
Employers seeking to connect with top Indian talent in America
Anyone interested in the intersection of culture, career, and community building
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro + Background
02:07 The Genesis of Open Atlas Summit 2025
04:48 Planning and Logistics of the Event
07:51 Securing Keynote Speakers
10:40 The Importance of Audience Engagement
13:38 Navigating the Job Fair Challenge
16:34 Building a Supportive Team
22:26 Event Planning and Volunteer Coordination
24:16 The Role of Influencers and Creators
26:10 Innovative Conference Features and Experiences
30:11 Financial Insights and Sponsorships
34:01 The Value of Community and Shared Experiences
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