by Deb Cook Lewis
Before we get started on this, full disclosure requires that I tell you that my favorite ACB event of the year is actually the leadership conference, which combines training for our affiliate leaders along with the nuts and bolts of our legislative agenda. With that out of the way, I still loudly proclaim that I love the convention.
I very much appreciate that we are able to bring a meaningful convention experience to our members who are unable to attend in person, and I’m committed to continuing that effort. But my favorite things are those that can only really happen in person.
I can’t wait to go to exhibits. I’ve made a list and checked it at least twice. And my husband fervently hopes I don’t bring all of the merchandise home with me.
I don’t generally go on the tours, although I have definitely been on some amazing ones. But I do love that many of you will be taking advantage of the tours — more opportunities for me in the exhibits.
I do enjoy the variety of breakout sessions, and this year is no exception. I do most of my breakout sessions through the excellent podcasts edited and assembled by our fabulous ACB Media team. But I definitely make it in person to events with a social component, so you’ll find me in the exercise classes or learning some wild dance steps in the MCAC mixer.
And finally, there are fun opportunities to volunteer, and to meet or to reacquaint with interesting people from all over the country and the world. This year I’ll volunteer at the Information Desk, the Communication Center, and a few other places.
I miss sitting with my affiliate in general session, but this is another wonderful experience at the in-person event.
Finally, whether you do the convention in person, virtually or both, I hope you will do it. There is no finer opportunity to connect and to be part of something, our organization, that really matters.