I couldn’t be more thrilled to join you in just over a week at AME’s 39th annual conference, AME Cleveland 2023, as we ReImagine Excellence.
This year is a little extra spooky (oops – meant special) because day two of the conference falls on Halloween. Luckily, our talented events team has ensured we can still partake in festive activities while making the most of our conference time.
On Tuesday, October 31, the exhibit hall will open for HalloLEAN – a one-of-a-kind trick-or-treat networking experience! It’s a spirited (pun intended) way to connect with fellow attendees, discuss lean innovations and indulge in your favorite sweets. Costumes are encouraged! Don’t miss your chance to grow your network with Dracula, your friendly neighborhood ghost or a whole community of other HalloLEAN thought leaders.
HalloLEAN, however, is just the beginning. Each year, our team works diligently to develop engaging networking events that always result in the formation of long-lasting professional connections.
This year, we’re introducing two brand new networking opportunities: our Lunch Bunch and the Breakfast Club. Both are casual (and tasty) opportunities to dine and visit with fellow attendees, veteran and new. There’s no set agenda, so discuss your conference experience, your background in lean, your dog’s preferred pastime – the sky is the limit. And don’t worry; an AME volunteer will be at every table to help facilitate should anyone need a drop of inspiration.
We’re also bringing back some of our most adventurous conference favorites, including our AME-zing Race and Passport Game. If you want to take in as much of Cleveland as possible before heading home, the AME-zing Race is the networking event for you. You’ll grab your camera and join a group of conference explorers ready to capture their experience throughout the city for a day. Or, if you’d prefer to understand the scale of AME’s global reach, play our Passport Game and form meaningful connections with AME’s international members.
These networking events are a blast, but they can seem a tad daunting if you’re brand new. That’s why we’ve developed our AME Ambassador Program. We’ll pair newcomers with experienced conference professionals who can help you learn the ropes and make the most of your conference experience. We also invite newbies to Club NuBee orientation night, where you’ll swarm the hive and receive conference tips and tricks.
The core takeaways of AME’s annual conference are, of course, the connections you make and the innovative ideas that grow out of new relationships. Whether it’s your first conference or your 39th, come to one of our nine idea exchange sessions. These gatherings, led by a facilitator, prioritize collaborative group discussions on a timely industry topic. You’ll be able to share experiences you’ve had and challenges you’ve learned from – all while interacting with diverse and accomplished lean thought leaders.
I’d like to say a special thank you to Ellen Sieminski, AME’s networking chair, and Sara O’Hara, AME’s conference and events manager. These networking opportunities wouldn’t be possible without their dedication, hard work and creativity. If you have any questions about any of the networking events, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or visit the on-site AME registration desk.
I look forward to seeing you all at our AME Welcome Reception (or at one of our many Dine Around spots in the city). Travel safely and come ready for an unforgettable lean experience.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
