Sunday March 1, 2009

These are extraordinary times. It’s harder than ever to win budget money to attend educational conferences like Dynamics, which was not an easy task even in good times. We know you would be here at the Dynamics Seminar if you could be because you were here in 2007 or 2008. To demonstrate our appreciation for your past participation and to let you know we are thinking of you during the difficult times, we are sending daily updates to help you stay connected to what is happening at the Dynamics Seminar this year. We sincerely hope our industry and our economy will have regained their footing before Dynamics 2010, and that you will be able to take part in another amazing conference next year.

Dateline: Bonita Springs Florida
Pre-conference
March 1, 2009

Caught the 6AM flight from Portland this morning. Portland under winter storm warning. Connecting airports up and down the east coast already experience weather related flight delays. Come on Bonita! Arrived at 1:30pm, only 30 mins late. Bonus – was not selected for random strip search at the gate in Reagan Airport. Note to self – don’t wear dreadlocks and double digit body piercings while travelling.

Touchdown at the lovely Hyatt Resort and Coconut Point. The staff loves the guests of Dynamics. I’m about to schedule my golf lesson when Julie B. injects reality. “Um, Leo, we need you to help unpack the A/V equipment and when that is finished, run this job down to Kinko’s, quality check it, and I want this all done by the time my spa appointment is over.” I thought Julie reported to me, but not this week. This week is opposite week.

This is one big lesson I am learning about Dynamics. I used to be the guest at the wedding, but now I am the gopher for the wedding planner. It’s OK. I can already feel the excitement building. The people of JHA love Dynamics. And a major reason we love Dynamics is because of the many wonderful professionals we have an opportunity to learn from, teach, entertain, and build camaraderie with.

Tune in tomorrow. And to my friends in New England and the MidAtlantic, I hope your children enjoy their snow day off from school.