It seems like only yesterday that many of us gathered in Tucson for the AFCP 2010 annual conference. What a great experience! And many of us met a week later in Orlando for the CPF 2010 conference. Again, it was a top level show.

This year I am proud to tell you that AFCP and CPF will be combining forces to bring you yet another fantastic gathering of industry professionals at the beautiful TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St Petersburg Beach, Florida. I invite you to join us for what promises to be three intense days filled with motivational speakers (Dan Clark is coming back!), high level training classes provided by TLI, breakout groups and panel discussions and countless ideas on how to grow your businesses. A large contingent of industry trade show participants will be there too, to bring you up to speed on the latest technology in our industry. Together, we’ll all figure out how best to navigate the new waters and tricky currents we are encountering in our industry these days.

But as all AFCP and CPF folks know, it won’t be all work and no play. The TradeWinds, with its white sandy beaches, cool blue Gulf Coast waters and gorgeous swimming pools, is a place just made for fun. With a Cinco de Mayo party followed by the super-successful Club AFCP on Thursday night, a hot Beach party Friday night, and the famous and outrageous Derby Reception (a CPF tradition) on Saturday, well…need I say more? There will also be golf, tennis and a fishing event for those who are interested.

The Conference Team is a terrific group of experienced planners who are working hard to make this conference “one for the books”. Folks like Greg Birkett, Bonnie Rice, Boyd Peterson, Gayle Alexander, Mike Van Stry, Elaine Nelson, Charlie Delatorre, Barbara Holmes, and our Executive Directors, Loren and Dave, will all make my job very easy and will be sure to provide you with a worthwhile experience you will remember for a long time. So, make your plans and we’ll see you at the beach!