Making connections...
It’s the final countdown! Just a few days until I travel to Boston, and besides planning my packing to avoid airport security challenges I’m spending time this weekend finalizing the sessions I want to attend and the people I want to meet.
Have you tried introNetworks, a cool tool that supports the networking aspect of the annual meeting? You never know who you’ll meet once you’ve signed up and completed your profile; today I heard from London-based Thought Leader Rohit Talwar. He’s speaking on Tuesday at 1:30p about global trends and challenges for associations. I’m in his “inner circle” of annual meeting participants, and he’s in mine – that is, we have a number of things in common according to our profiles. He took the opportunity to say hello from “across the pond;” we had a nice exchange, including pondering whether there was such a thing as a "wearable laptop" he wouldn't have to check as baggage given new trans-Atlantic travel restrictions. Our conversation prompted me to find out more about his session, "Dancing in the Dark: Global Trends and the Challenges for Associations," which sounds absolutely fascinating.
One thing Rohit is doing in preparation for his session is conducting a short opinion survey on the critical trends, ideas and issues that will shape the future of the exhibitions, meetings and events industry over the next three to five years. He’s inviting confidential responses to the survey, and will share the emerging findings during his Thought Leader session. Consider participating; the survey is seeking responses from around the world and you’ll receive a copy of the final report when it’s completed.
Connecting with Rohit was fun, and I’m planning to see who else is in my “inner circle.” I know I'll make some new connections at the convention - I always do, and it's my favorite aspect of this annual gathering (besides learning new stuff!). Using an online tool to help facilitate the process is way cool!