On Saturday, June 27, CFMA’s National Conference began in
Chicago, IL. Several mini-conference sessions were offered on Saturday, as well
as numerous interactive events on Sunday. Those Sunday activities included the
Windy City Waddle (5K Run), a golf event, and networking opportunities with
numerous vendors providing solutions to our industry.
Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday offered many breakout sessions providing excellent educational
opportunities in a number of tracts. Round table sessions were again extremely
popular for attendees. Three general sessions were also excellent, with (1)
Connie Podesta speaking on a simplified personality assessment that can be used
to improve our ability to sell (get people on board), (2) James Benham
providing a construction technology forecast including items like mobile,
augmented reality, 3D printing, drones, and more, and (3) Anirban Basu
entertaining the audience with another great presentation and economic
update…things continue to look positive for the next couple years, with Anirban projecting the next downturn likely in the 2018-2019 time range.
Many networking opportunities were again provided to
attendees. Networking with exhibitors began on Sunday, continued Monday afternoon
and evening, and wrapped up over lunch on Tuesday. The exhibitors also donated
numerous prizes that were given through drawings to those attending these
exhibitor networking sessions. The closing night party at Navy Pier offered
great views, live entertainment (leading to some dancing), great food, and
additional networking for attendees as well.
Several Siouxland members were in attendance at National,
including Kit Gleason, Jarrod Muller, Catherine Bloom, Ben Ellingson, and Joel
Van Egdom. These members can share feedback on the value of this conference
(for your consideration for next year)…and Jarrod is also available to provide
dance lessons from all the moves he learned on the dance floor Tuesday night!
General Session in the Sheraton Ballroom
View of Chicago from Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
View of Chicago from Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
Closing Night Party at Navy Pier
Closing Night Party at Navy Pier
Jarrod - Check Out Those Dance Moves!
Jarrod Muller & His Wife
Three Other Siouxland Members (Joel Van Egdom, Kit Gleason, Catherine Bloom)