Find your treasure in Tucson

by Shane Goodman

Like many of you, I have been attending AFCP conferences for years, and they truly are a treasure. We have come a long way in attendance, training, networking and opportunities. The days of 40 of us in Chicago seem like decades ago now, although it was just... OK, it was a couple decades ago. When Craig McMullin asked me to serve as the conference chair, I agreed, fully knowing how well organized he was and how well conferences have been run in years past. The news of Craig’s death was quite difficult for me on a personal level, but it also left a large question mark on the status of the conference for all of us who have been involved.

Having served in past years as the trade show and awards chairperson, I was able to get to know the conference team on a personal level. Many have been involved in the planning for several years. People like Gayle Alexander, Elaine Nelson, Bonnie Rice, Vinnie Gracia, Boyd Peterson and Greg Birkett have been key components of the conferences, and I am pleased that they are again this year. They and others have made this a smooth transition, working together to create a conference you won’t want to miss.

Through post-event surveys, we have learned what you like the most about the conferences and want more of. The single largest benefit you repeatedly state is the opportunity to network with others, and we have created an abundant amount of time for you to do just that. In addition:

• You told us you like to visit nice hotels in warm locations. The La Paloma may be the nicest hotel we have ever had a conference at, and the Tucson weather will provide a comfortably warm change in climate for many of us.
• You also told us you like great food and drinks. We have once again worked with the hotel staff to provide a fabulous meal selection, all included in your registration. And with an open bar each night, drinks are just the way you like them – free.
• You told us you want to learn more about new technology. So do we, and we have created a number of technology-related sessions throughout the conference to help us learn more about mobile, Web and other electronic publishing options.
• You told us you want more of The Leadership Institute (TLI). This has been another popular addition to the AFCP conference with a focus on training and accrediting sales professionals. Our first class graduated last year and received their certificates. We encourage you to learn more about TLI and train your staff with effective methods to help increase sales and improve your bottom line.
• And you told us you want to have fun. If you have been to an AFCP conference before, you know that we don’t do anything without a smile on our face and a series of good laughs. You can expect more of the same.

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"Thanks for the Memories..."

AFCP burned down Myrtle Beach!

Fires raged outside, but the hot topics were in the sessions. Check out this amazing conference by viewing the photos and videos following.

We've posted a bunch of photos on our Flickr site, which you can review at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21150013@N04/sets/72157617687312946/.

Check out these amazing videos of award presentations and other great stuff!

The 2008 AFCP Conference and Trade Show is over, but the memories will last forever!

To help, we've posted hundreds of photos on our Flickr site, which you can review at: www.flickr.com/photos/21150013@N04/collections/72157604798093895/. This includes all of the Team Bonding photos, so check them out!

View the Distinguished Service Award presentation to Dan Holmes:

View the presentation of the Publisher of the Year Award to Jim Kendall

Awards Contest Winners

Looking for the award winners from the 2008 AFCP Awards Contest? Click here.

Also, a special thanks to a couple of ladies from the Nickel for this great farewell.