SPiNCon - AWESOME

​by Kathie Niesen, CMP

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I just spent five days with some of the most incredible people I have ever met. My first SPiN experience started at the Leadership conference with themes of branch growth, member support and managing change. It was a two and one half day event filled with camaraderie, friendship and unbelievable ideas. I feel invigorated and renewed not just to continue as the SPiN Blog coordinator but also to continue in my quest to build my business and grow professionally. Thank you to all who contributed to that, you know who you are.
 
What about SPiNCon?
 
Wonderful sessions, invigorating speakers and a truly fantastic host property and CVB whose staff spent significant time getting to know us and not just selling us on a property or location.
 
Keynoter Kristen Brown whose amazing story of growth inspired all of us to set and achieve personal and professional goals in unique ways.
 
A TED talk by Dean Savoca whose struggles made me realize that my own problems are really not that important. What’s important? Family, friends and savoring life.
 
And the “recess guy”  Greg Brice whose thought provoking games made for the most interesting refreshment breaks I have ever experienced. The last break in particular made me think about what I had learned at the conference and whom I had to thank for it.
 
And did I mention changes?  Well first, no membership fees for 2016, no levels of membership because there are no fees. And no fees for SPiNCon, Learning Labs, Roundtables or the hire a planner, what? It’s just never been about the money, it’s been about the senior level planner and their growth. It’s about encouraging more planners to join and participate in every part of the SPiN community.
 
And the other big change, Sara Vanderbilt, SPiN Executive Director announced her resignation. Sara is off to explore another opportunity and a chance to build her own brand. Sara is a big part of SPiN and she will be sorely missed but we all wish her the very best and she has laid a wonderful foundation for the organization to build upon and grow.
 
So my first SPiNCon experience, one word AWESOME.
 
Kathie Niesen, CMP is the Owner of KMN Meetings and Events. She specializes in the planning of medical meetings, instructional design, working with volunteers and faculty development. You can contact her at kathie@kmnmeetings.com
 
Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to blog@spinplanners.com. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.