Opening session reflections
A quick post from a blue chair in the Connection Cafe about the opening general session. I thought that last year's opening session in would be difficult to top, and unfortunately I was right. Last year's opening session featured a Cirque de Soleil style acrobatic troupe, which was just incredible. Today's entertainment portion of the general session was a rapper, some "fly girls" and a magician. The theatrics were good. But not great.
I think this stood in stark contrast to the general session keynote presentation by Jim Collins. Jim's session was excellent, just as I had hoped it would be. There are a number of posts already on the Boston Blog, so I won't go into detail about his presentation, but suffice it to say that it was great.
Perhaps the most entertaining part about the opening general session was seeing ASAE's President & CEO, John Graham, decked out in gold chains and more bling-bling, get behind two DJ turntables, don a pair of headphones, and "scratch" (the DJ setup was part of the rapping and fly girls routine I mentioned earlier). Not only did John's headphones fall off (twice) but his scratching was totally out of sync with the track. It was a Milli-Vanilli moment to be sure.
I give the opening general session an A for substance, but a B for style.
I've heard stories about an ASAE or GWSAE meeting from several years ago when a UFO or a spaceship occupied the stage. Apparently those theatrics were the stuff of legends, and people compared future events to the "spaceship meeting" for many years. I have a feeling my expectations for general sessions may be exceedingly difficult to surpass because of my experience at last year's annual meeting in Nashville.
Comments
I thought today's general session was great! ASAE's staff greeted us with "We're glad you're here" signs and I really appreciate that personal touch.
The rappers and dancers actually connected me to what this conference is all about - connecting us to each other! I felt a lot of energy in the room and I not only felt connected at that moment with some GREAT people, but I was inspired to get more connected over the next 2 days. Where do I enter my profile?
As I read page 14 of "Daily Now", I realized it is up to me to get the most from this Conference. ASAE and the Sections have worked hard to put together another meaningful meeting. It's now encombent on me to get "mine the gold" and find the nuggets and get the most out of all this meeting has to offer.
I very much value my membership.
Posted by: Mike Grubb | August 20, 2006 10:31 PM