Breaking News: Orlando makes history for the third time in 16 years. In 1996 for the first time, there were over 600 attendees at the HFTP Convention. In 2003 again in Orlando that number surpassed 700 and now in 2012 over 800. As a member, I am very proud as it shows that this association, despite tough times, continues to move forward. Frank and the team, congratulations and thank you for the work you do for us.
As a guest blogger, I made a special effort to meet as many members as I can during the first full day. It is so encouraging to see so many first time attendees. While the majority, naturally are those who have been attending for many years, it is refreshing to see the new faces. This is what will guarantee the successes of future conventions.
As usual, there are so many great educational sessions. This makes it very difficult to decide which one to attend. Fortunately, the opening session needed no choosing and what a topic “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor. The takeaway from day one for me was the “Now Presenting” session by Agnes DeFranco and Steve D’Erasmo. With one and a half days to go, I doubt there will be another session, from a personal development point of view to match that one. What great speakers?
For those of us who have been coming to conventions for years, we will remember those numerous buses taking us from the convention site to some other exciting place for an evening out on the Thursday. This has not been in place for a few years and we all understand. Although not able to accommodate all of us, the Florida Chapter’s pool party was a big hit and those of us who were fortunate to attend, a big thank you to the chapter. It shows that this group normally viewed as “behind the scenes” does know how to p-a-r-t-y. I am looking forward to today’s sessions and the President’s Evening tonight. See you there.
Joe Hylton, CHAE is the director of finance for the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He has been an HFTP member for 47 years.
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