We noticed a lot of ushers, tables, and people in green polos (we assumed these were the Interactive Trader seminar salespeople). They were very friendly and helped us find our seats. We saw huge banners with "Interactive Trader", "Jeff Tomasulo", and "Steve Sitkowski" on them. Didn't see much about Kevin O' Leary, so we were a little worried that we went in the wrong hall at the Hyatt.

Then the event started...

A man thanked everyone for coming, asked if we were excited to see Kevin O' Leary and introduce the first speaker, Jeff Tomasulo. We didn't know who Jeff was but shortly learned that he appears often on Fox Business to discuss financial markets and stock options. Jeff was a great speaker, he was positive, relatable , and had a good energy about him. He discussed his upbringing, the challenges of finding a means to provide for a family and seeking opportunities to increase his knowledge and income . We had a short break, then Steve Sitkowski took the stage.

Steve, charismatic and confident, had the crowd laughing and reacting to his many side jokes. He provided a similar story to that of Jeff's and helped connect the dots from what we were experiencing in the seminar to what Interactive Trader offers.

Interactive Trader is a software that helps users find and trade stock options in real time. It helps the user analyze market trends and find opportunities to make daily investments.

Steve then talked about what the company Response offers. He talked about the following:

1. Education Packages
2. Live Coaching
3. Webinars
4. Advanced Classes
5. Elite Training

Steve then began talking about how new investors needs education and put an emphasis on coaching. Then there was a strong call to action for people to sign up for a 3-day workshop occurring 3 weeks later at the same location. At the same time, I noticed all of the individuals in green polo's setting up iPads and other items at tables located at the back and sides of the venue.

Steve invited the first round of people to sign up, he also mentioned a rebate form for the price of the 3-day workshop. Ton's of people rushed to the tables to sign up. It was interesting to hear little mention of Kevin O' Leary until the end of Steve's speech. Regardless, his information, insights, and lesson, along with Jeff's, provided great value considering the event is free. So it made the collective 90-minute presentation worth it.

Concluding Thoughts

The Interactive Trader event is an informative experience. Do I think it is for everyone? No. Do I think that people may benefit from gaining additional education and coaching when starting to invest in the stock market? ABSOLUTELY. Is it worth the price tag? That is a question you will have to answer for yourself.

With my background and investments, I did not feel the need to continue down the path. I have talked with some contacts who have had success with Interactive Trader and its coaching programs, they have now made hundreds of trades and continue to become more seasoned investors.

I have also researched reviews of others who have reported negative reviews about Interactive Trader and its events. I found comments raging from "it's a scam" to "it ruined my credit score."

What do I say to the negative reviewers?

1. There is no free lunch. If anything is "free" it usually means there is a catch, or a reason why they can make it free. In this case, there is an entire education company that has been offering introductory events for years and selling education and training packages to thousands of people.

2. If you do not put in the work and education, you will not see any results. The only one to blame here is the person complaining. It seems to me that in our society the ones who complain the most about money, or the lack thereof, are sadly the least likely to do something about it. Just because there is a "free wealth event" doesn't mean that success will be free to the attendee. In reality, success comes through sweat equity and often mostly luck.

What do I say to those researching Interactive Trader?

1. Check out their site and its parent company's site.

2. Attend an event for yourself and make your own decision. No one there will force you to buy anything. It is up to you.

3. Gaining more information about a product will make you a wiser consumer of that product.