The APCO annual conference is amazing – really, it is. I’ve been with APCO since 1998, so I’ve been around for – coming up on – thirteen conferences! During my first year at APCO, I stayed behind to “hold down the fort” while (it seemed like) everyone else went to Albuquerque. Minneapolis in 1999 was the first time my feet hit the APCO tradeshow floor and it’s been non-stop ever since (So, I didn’t go to Salt Lake City – I was home with my newborn son, okay? He needed me.). I know the marketing pieces that go out each year speak to getting “bigger and better,” aptly captured in this year’s “Big responsibilities, Big Opportunities,” theme for Houston. And it’s true! Each year, that conference event is the best it’s ever been!
When I think back about my participation in these events, as staff, even I have gotten more engaged. I’ve been promoting some conference events that I’m directly involved in: Chapter Leadership Training, Chapter Officers Workshop, and the New Attendee Orientation. When I think back to when I first started participating in these events a few years ago, my part in them was so dry. I was there for a purpose - to convey information. Now, I have a different perspective on my purpose at these events - I’m there to help people (like you) make connections (to other people like you). And to cover some material. But, really, it’s about the connections, and sharing of information and experiences that has made these events come to life for me. It is what has made them come to mean so much to me.
If you are going to be in Houston, come and join me at these events – I want to get to know you better! And (don’t tell anyone else I said this) my events are almost always fun! I promise that you will get to know other public safety communications professionals and you’ll strengthen your professional network. And you’ll be getting to hang out with ME!!!
About those events - Even if you don’t consider yourself a “chapter leader” or you aren’t an appointed or elected officer of your chapter, if you are interested in what happens in your local chapter, spreading the word to your colleagues, or just want to get more involved, consider the Chapter Leadership Training (you’ll learn a lot about APCO as an organization) and the Chapter Officer Workshop (you’ll get some ideas to help your local chapter thrive).
If Houston will be your first APCO annual conference – the New Attendee Orientation is a MUST. Well, you don’t HAVE to come and get oriented, but you might be sorry if you don’t! We go over all those important things you need to know in order to get the most out of your conference experience. And you might make a new friend while you’re there (I’m not sure if that’s a warning or a promise).
Think about it. And then login and pre-register for the Chapter Leadership Training and Chapter Officer Workshop at www.myapcointl.org. New Attendees - I’ll be contacting you directly!
And, to think, there's more! I haven't even told you about what all we've got planned for the APCO booth on the trade show floor - yet!