Let It Go

Yes, I am a Disney fan, but this is not about the song or the movie.

Last month, my wife and I moved our son into college. This was not as traumatic for me as it was when we moved our daughter into school in Georgia five years ago. That fiasco resulted in me being pulled over by a BIG Georgia State Trooper after we finished and were on our way back to the airport to fly home to Massachusetts. I will not divulge how fast I was going, but he referred to me as a "super speeder." Did I mention that the poor guy had to comfort me because I lost it (lots of Kleenex) when asked why I was going so fast. The truth is I had no idea – I was in a fog. Anyway, I digress.

It was easier this time around, but no less a milestone moment. Maybe because he’s only two hours away and there was no drama. We should be empty nesters now, but that 23-year-old daughter moved back in about one month ago. Life goes on.

So, this whole experience has had me thinking about moving on. Not only about the potential angst and anxiety regarding letting go of the familiar, but also the struggle of embracing the new. Change can be exciting, but it can also give pause. Whether it’s letting go of old ways, stale knowledge, a stagnant employee or a bad boss, even clothes that don’t fit, we are called upon every day to move forward and stay relevant. At times, we are the change-makers and other times we are a byproduct of the disrupter. No matter what, as lifelong learners, we have this thirst for the latest information, products and trends. Undoubtedly, we will miss some of the old, however the new offers endless possibilities; because, after all, isn’t that what it is all about? We need to push ourselves and embrace the new. Breathe in. Stay calm. Let it go.

That being said, get ready because here comes the sales pitch. The 2017 CMP Conclave will create experiences, provide possibilities and challenge the expected. The Conclave Committee and Events Industry Council staff have been working diligently to develop sessions, engage speakers along with opportunities for peer to peer networking. Time to renew, refresh and revitalize. Sounds like a soap commercial, doesn’t it?!

In all seriousness though, I do hope to see you all there and look forward as the beautiful MGM National Harbor welcomes us.

Yours in service,