Big projects can feel overwhelming at times, but when you have a team with which you can brainstorm, troubleshoot, and share the load, it helps you power through and get the job done.
Right now, there is a dedicated team of volunteers and staff working long hours behind the scenes to put the finishing touches on an AME International Conference that will be unlike any of our past 35 conferences. There are presenters, tour hosts, keynote speakers, panelists, exhibitors and workshop trainers busy rehearsing, setting up virtual booths and preparing training materials. There are AME partners in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia and elsewhere that are working to remind people of the tremendous ROI that the AME conference provides.
I want to thank everyone who has been involved in planning (and replanning) AME’s virtual international conference. When it became obvious that the in-person event was a sinking ship, you piled into the virtual lifeboat and turned it into a luxury yacht. It’s been an incredible effort and the program you have assembled would be considered extraordinary even in a normal year.
I’m not bringing up the conference here to sell those who have not yet registered. Instead, I hope that our major undertaking is inspiring to those reading this message.
I am certain that many of you are working on projects that at times are overwhelming. There are moving targets and moving pieces because of issues that are hard to predict. You are likely juggling personal and professional responsibilities.
If that sounds familiar, I hope you see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that the feeling of accomplishment is so much greater when you reach an audacious goal or check something big off your to-do list.
As you work your way toward the finish line — just like our conference committee is doing — surround yourself with people who have your back. People who are willing to pitch in with a new perspective and an extra pair of hands. People who have your best interest in mind and are rowing in the same direction. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and do your best to lift them up in return.
AME is fortunate to have a team of people lifting each other up while they work on our conference, our Champions Club, our Consortia, our Excellence Awards and our regional and international programming.
If you need ideas or help, just ask. We’ve got room in our lifeboat and we’re here to help you and your organization reach calmer seas and succeed in your journey.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
