Insights on ACE

When it comes to blogging, most experts tell you to make it quick but high-impact. That's a tall order when you have a lot to talk about, and anyone who knows me will agree that I always have a lot to talk about! And ACE is no exception.

This is my 17th ACE, and I haven't missed one since I started coming in 1994.At that time, I was 26 years old and had just found out I was pregnant with my first child. I flew to San Diego for my first AAMT meeting and I knew no one. And while I could have allowed such a daunting introduction to the association to keep me from engaging, I left that meeting impressed with the magnitude and scope of what I saw - a gathering of career-minded MTs who viewed this profession as a career and not a job, an exhibit hall filled with amazing resources, educational sessions that gave me information I would not have had access to otherwise.

Guess what? Fast-forward 16 years, and I still feel that way about ACE! You might think that after 16 years of doing this, ACE could have become a ho-hum, been-there-done-that experience. But it hasn't. If anything, it has become a richer, more meaningful experience with each passing year. Because now I've moved beyond just the anticipation and reward of what ACE has technically to offer. Aside from the obvious fact that, as an AHDI staff member, I am required to come, I look forward to this annual fixture on my August calendar because it has become something I just can't miss. I can't miss seeing people who have become as dear to me as family. I can't miss finally getting to meet and have a face to go along with the names of so many people I "meet" on webinars, Facebook, and emails. I can't miss being "in the know" about what the association is doing, what breaking news is impacting our sector, and who has merged with or been acquired by whom.

The only person who will ever tell you that professional networking isn't important is the person who hasn't engaged in any of it. That same person will tell you that being an association member, getting credentialed, and coming to ACE are a complete waste of time.

I feel sorry for that person. :)

-Lea