Monday, Monday.... Speakers, Voting & Networking

Hello, all--from (per usual) hot & steamy Tampa. I'm ever so grateful for air conditioning..

Today's business session opened up with the convention count and some general information. Then the session was turned over to the keynote speaker.. Robin Crow, a musician and "motiviational" speaker.

The keynote was interesting..but ..honestly, not motivating. Generally, this gentlemen played a great guitar.. but did not play to his audience. It was obvious, not only to me, but to other attendees at the conference that he did not know his audience. He talked mostly, unfortunately, about himself.

I believe the purpose was to motivate-- the intent behind the speech he sells.. going from Rockbottom to RockSolid leadership.. implied that we were not already leaders in our field. We are not coming from rockbottom.. we are the creme of our profession. He also committed two major faux pas-- one- thinking there were only women admins in the world ( so for Capital's ten male members-including our associate members- AND all of the members that are male in our association---Sandy Chandler gave a verbal post presentation correction to the speaker) and a very patronizing commentary on hiring women-- almost self-congratulatory, which did not sit well with some conference attendees. He just seemed ill-prepped for the audience he was addressing.. so this does slant my view of the speech.

But- for the most part-- there were obviously many attendees that enjoyed his music and presentation, as they lined up afterwards for at least 45 minutes to get his poster, his music and his autograph.


Pat May, Cynthia Williams and I attended the Certification Luncheon- which only holders of the CPS or CAP designations are invited to pay to attend. The bulk of the fee goes to the luncheon speaker. And, I'm happy to report that this presenter, Rebecca Pace, brought down the house.. She was great, energetic, knew her audience and was genuinely connected to the presentation she gave on Talk is Cheap, or Is It?

Very great descriptors about different communication styles.. --very similar material to the one that Stefan Sanders did for our Spring Education conference, but add a really strong Southern accent and a exuberent style of speech.

The real important part of the day.. was the voting. The voting for the election of our next Board of International Directors went through two ballots and the results will be announced tomorrow during our business session.

Finally---- EAST meets WEST reception. Lots of attendees, good food, good networking and a fine show of current Division Presidents and current Int'l Board of Director members.

I know I promised pictures.. but goof here, forgot the camera cable to connect and to be able to download pictures. I will get pictures up soon after my return home.

--Kemetia

PS. I did not forget about the various amendments that were brought to the floor at convention. I will post a separate blog about these and their outcomes soon.