Cabo San Lucas was the location of my first Counselors Academy Spring Conference. During my brief tenure, I’ve had a chance to meet a number of top-notch professionals.  People who have taught me so much, making me realize I have so much to learn!

Putting together this year’s program, with a strong co-chair and an engaged executive committee, I wanted to share a few quick inside tips on how you can get the most out of this year’s event in Key West.

Get involved

It is easy to sit on the sidelines and listen to some great speakers, gleaning insight that is relevant to where your practice is headed.  But that is like being at the Super Bowl and watching the event’s inline at the concession stand.

This year’s event has a number of great opportunities for you to get involved.  The Counselors 101 event is a great way to meet other first time attendees and to connect with seasoned attendees who know the ropes.  Take the momentum of your first session and soak in the fun at the opening night reception.

The breakfast roundtable and dine around events are a great place for informal networking.  Also, if you have a question for one of the speakers, ask away.  Chances are someone else has the same question.  If not, they are all very approachable to talk to after the session or at other points of the conference.

Favorite Children

As a father of two great and confident daughters I know I am getting into dangerous turf by even hinting I have “favorite” sessions.

Well they are all great sessions!

However, there are some of the sessions that I am looking forward to seeing how you respond..  They include: the “Bold Moves” session where we will hear from PR firm owners about a bold move they implemented that worked well for their firm; key note speakers Stan Phelps, Shonali Burke and Steve McKee; and the “Focus” sessions, a new approach that will feature TEDx style presentations from our presenters.

Relax

Enjoy Key West.  There will be plenty of time to knock out emails during your flight and after the session.  Get here early or stay later to enjoy an extra day.

The hotel is a great place to relax.  They have an hourly shuttle to the center of activity where you can hangout at Mallory Square, shop, rent a boat or take a selfie at the southernmost point in the United States.

But you can’t do any of these things unless you register. There are airline discounts and free shuttles from the airport to the Marriott.  Just visit this link.

Reflect

One of the biggest benefits to attending and participating is returning to your team at home! Sharing the contacts you’ve made, lessons you’ve learned and ideas that your office can apply is invaluable. Hope to see you in sunny Key West!

Click on these links for more information about Tom and his firm The Garrity Group Public Relations.