Stepping into the NAA conference halls, I was buzzing with excitement and a touch of nerves. This being my second year as a speaker, the thrill of sharing ideas and meeting new people never loses its charm. The atmosphere was electric, and the "Feel the Love" theme was amazing.
Right from the get-go, I dived into conversations—catching up with old friends and making new ones. One standout moment was when my roommate and I had to improvise a picnic due to lack of space—what a hilarious adventure! Then, there was the day I logged 15,000 steps, visited the Liberty Bell, and later attended an evening event at the Attico Rooftop. The heat and sore feet were challenging, but pushing through was incredibly rewarding. Those yummy cookies my roommate left me? I had hoped to burn off those calories during my marathon walk, but a cold beer in the heat likely canceled that out. Speaking of the heat wave... Anyway, the cool nights and city vibes had me humming Will Smith's "Summertime"… lol, I'm getting sidetracked.
This year also brought a new concept: the Fishbowl Effect sessions, and they were a game-changer. The interactive setup felt like hosting our very own live show! We had a blast inviting participants onstage, bringing depth and diverse perspectives to the discussions. I'm eager for more sessions like this in the future!
Another standout was the session on "Embracing Neurodiversity: Unleashing Superpowers Within Your Team." Mike Brewer, Jennifer Carter, and Christi Wedel courageously shared their personal experiences, sparking openness and discussion. Their stories of challenges and triumphs resonated deeply with me and underscored the importance of supporting neurodiversity in our teams.
The conference buzzed with eager industry peers, all ready to learn and exchange insights. The conference halls were decked out with additional features that amplified the "Feel the Love" vibe. From day one, I couldn't help but notice everyone proudly sporting their badges and sneaking glances to read names—okay, maybe that was just me. There were plenty of "hey, how are you" and "OMG, it's been too long" moments, interspersed with impromptu photo ops and introductions like "have you met…". It was all part of the charm, making connecting with old friends and meeting new faces so enjoyable.
And let’s not forget about the MMN podcast sessions at the Chadwell Supply booth. Janet, it was a blast just "shooting the breeze" and diving into all things Conference Chronicles!
And the social events? They were unforgettable—from networking mixers to dance parties at historical venues and scenic outdoor spots. Each moment was invaluable for connecting, unwinding, and having fun. Philadelphia, with its rich history, stunning sights, vibrant rooftops, and all the laughter, truly was the perfect host.
Reflecting on this week, I'm grateful for the personal and professional growth it offered. Let's keep learning from one another and fostering a more inclusive community.
Until next year—see you in Vegas!