It’s been years since attending an APCO National Conference and so I was looking especially forward to this year’s event in Orlando. Florida is a great state and well geared to host major conferences of all types so, of course, the odds were pointing to a good show and strong turnout. We were pleasantly treated to an excellent show with a very strong attendance - while tested by a hurricane that was determined to rain on the Conference’s parade – so to speak.
It takes a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes planning and effort from conference exhibitors, trade show professionals, and APCO’s many volunteers to make such a large event flow like clockwork. The show’s exhibitors make for an environment that welcomes innovative ideas, highlights new products, and introduces ground-breaking services. APCO’s hosted training and volunteer-presented technical seminars provided ample opportunities for attendees to broaden their understanding of latest technologies, techniques, and lessons learned; geared to enhance personal careers and provide new solutions to Today’s operational challenges. In short, there was something for everyone at this year’s excellent Conference.
On a personal level, shows like APCO, IWCE, NENA and others provide opportunities to invigorate friendships built over years of attendance. For businesses, surely it’s an opportunity to reinforce bonds with clients – old, new or prospective – while leveraging the efficiency inherent in a central gathering point. I find it fascinating to learn where and how old friends have migrated onto new opportunities while landing in different professional environments. Those name badges may change but the welcoming faces and fun-based antics remain the same!
I ran into so many old friends at This year's APCO-Orlando, it had my head swimming. The bonds of professional and personal friendships remain strong. This photo pretty much sums up the experience and, oddly enough, this week’s tropical storm/Cat 1 hurricane failed to noticeably dampen spirits…certainly no spirits were dampened for Tripp Forrest, Dennis Ward or me!
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