This post is going to serve two purposes. The first is to allow ASAE to make sure that their feed aggregator is working for all attendee contributed content at the Annual Conference. Way to go ASAE for taking the initiative to make this happen! I think it’s a great way to capture the real-time user generated content in a way that is beneficial for attendees and non-attendees alike. Technically it’s not that difficult to accomplish, but the value that it adds far outweighs any trouble they may experience along the way. I’m psyched to be part of the conference coverage and will do my best to add my observations, insights and anything else that I find useful or interesting during my time in Toronto.

The second purpose for the post is just to send a shout-out to all of my association colleagues that have been so supportive for the past few months. It’s been a pretty tough period in my life – I have the battle scars and bruises to prove it – but in the end it was well worth the energy and effort to get to where I am today. I couldn’t have made it without you. I think it’s a great example in community and just how powerful having a shared purpose and common interest can be. And while it will be great to meet up with my old friends I am also looking forward to being able to connect with the many virtual friends I have made over the past year.

I already have a pretty busy schedule planned – including a Professional Development Section meet-up followed by our official meeting on Saturday and all of the great keynotes and sessions that are on the schedule during the rest of the conference. That’s the official part. There is also all of the extra-curricular activities many of which are being organized/coordinated by YAP that I am looking forward to. I know this is going to be an event to remember!

Lots to see, lots to do, lots of great people to meet. I can’t wait! I am arriving on Friday and will be in Toronto through Wednesday, so please look for me and say hi! I’m looking forward to meeting you.