For most people, at least here on the East Coast, autumn means a love affair with the beauty of the changing leaves, the magic of a pumpkin patch, and the beginning of cozy sweater weather. Well, for me… not so much. Don’t get me wrong, nobody likes a turtleneck more than I do, and I always manage to notice the trees and buy a gourd or two every year.
But those harbingers of the season are mere periphery in comparison to my own autumn love affair. You see, this year marks my 20th anniversary. Of my marriage? Umm, 'fraid not, but I'll save that for a different blog. Yes, my entire fall has been spent with the love of my professional life: Access Group's Annual Conference.
Sure, I've planned loads of other events, meetings, conventions, and even weddings, but THIS, you see, has always been my sweetheart. I've snuggled up with every detail of it, lied awake at night with worry over it, got in fights on behalf of it, but in the end, it has rewarded me with two decades of countless joys, and ok, intermittent indigestion. But I ask you, what strong, loving relationship doesn't come with both?
So, as this last week of preparation gears up as autumn once again winds down, allow me to share the Top 5 things I am most looking forward to next week... in no particular order...
- Working with the JW Marriott staff. It is always an adventure to work directly with the people who are charged with helping make your needs a reality. And they NEVER look like you expect they will after talking with them on the phone for 3 months. For some reason, they always look blonder in person. I can't figure out why I think everyone is brunette over the phone. Hmm.
- Seeing Edward James Olmos in the flesh! I'm a huge Battlestar Gallactica fan, and the anticipation of seeing Admiral Adama on not only our stage, but on our PLANET, has me positively giddy! (Fellow BG fans, you know exactly what I'm talking about!) I know... I know... he is so much more than a TV star, but this is MY list, and I'm stoked!
- Sitting down to eat once the general session speakers are up and running. At that point, the agita from my nervous energy subsides enough to quietly hit the buffet and join one of your tables for a bite. (I'm Italian-American... as is the word "agita". It means heartburn, but it’s so much cooler to say. Try it the next time someone "agitates" you into acid reflux. Get it now?!)
- Greeting those I only have the sincere delight of seeing once a year. Many of you wonderful people are a big part of my own personal history. Can't wait for my big hug, Carl Eging!
- And finally, what I have always and will always look forward to most is making sure you get the best conference experience possible. That you enjoy it as much as I do. That you learn what you need from it, and mark your calendars for the next time. Who knows… maybe you’ll start a 20-year relationship. But, whatever you do, don't fall in love... this bad boy is all mine.
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