New Orleans is a Great Place for a Conference

Hello Fleet Professionals!

I just returned from the annual NAFA I&E, or as us "old timers" call it The Conference. It never ceases to amaze me, regardless of how involved I may personally be in the conference, that when you get into town the time you are investing seems to be long. Then before you know it the show is over and you're on your way home. That's a testament to the hard work of the committees and staff to organize a program that not only keeps us busy but provides us with choices.

2009 has been a challenging year for the auto business and that was really reflected in this year's I&E. It's obvious to see that the Curriculum Committee made conscious decisions to address much of what is happening in the world today. Attendance was somewhat down and it appears that donations may have been down as well. As a consequence the conference had a smaller feel to it. I don't mean that in a negative way. For many years, it seemed as if the show was getting larger and "glitzier". This year our conference reflected the world and that's a good thing. Call it a reality check.

One of the benefits of a smaller conference is that you have more time to spend with the people that are there. In that respect, this conference rates high. From the moment I got to the hotel on Friday evening until the time I left on Wednesday there was non-stop networking. That's my favorite part! And that was not only with people that I've known for many years but also with many that I met for the first time. In fact there's nothing like watching a first time attendee during a conference. There's a sparkle in their eyes that takes me back to my very first conference in Boston, way back in 1985!

One of my favorite changes this year was the use of the "big rooms" for some of the speakers. Keeping us in the larger meal rooms for several of the panels was an inspired choice. So many times we are crammed into large rooms for the panels (OEM and Lessor) and it's standing room only. This year was much better.

My biggest disappointment was the elimination of the Chapter Recognition Awards this year. I don't know who's decision it was to do away with the awards this year but it is a huge mistake. In this era of cost cutting and diminishing interest in volunteerism, NAFA decided to eliminate the one form of recognition available for the average member and affiliate. What are they thinking? Our chapters are the lifeblood of the association. Without the chapters, there would be no NAFA. The Board of Governors need to reconsider this decision. The members and affiliates that spend endless hours working at the chapter level deserve recognition just as much as those hard working individuals that are honored by education awards, distinguished services awards and the like.

So the bad news this year, in addition to the Chapter Recognition award elimination, was that the conference was smaller and that many didn't attend this year that normally would attend. Some of this was due to budget restraints, but since last year many have retired, moved on or been laid off. But there's good news too. For one thing, the conference was smaller, so we got to spend more time together, the meeting spaces were better, and the sessions (at least the ones that I attended) were consistently good.

NAFA has been a big part of my life for 25 years. It's good to see that the leadership recognizes that adjustments need to be made in the annual conference to keep it relevant.

Until next time, keep your chin up! And let me know what you think.