Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/211845
Just being human! T EDITOR'S NOTES Nancy Estes, MBA, CAE Executive Director/Editor hose of you who were able to join us in Canada, thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing another phenomenal convention. Did you realize it was the 55th annual meeting of the members of the Independent Distributors Association? That is a special milestone. Nothing could have gone better. Just look in this magazine at the long list of members who donated time and money to "chip in" to everyone's successful experience. Even if there was a tiny "hitch," you just looked up at those amazing mountains and easily forgot what it was... Mainly, this letter is directed to those who simply "could not get away." We called almost every member, or at least emailed the last few, and that response was the most common. I want to invite you to rethink that position. Oh, I could go on about networking and the great seminars we had this year. But the thing that struck me the most as I walked up and down the meeting areas was the moments of human connection, seeing those of you who show up "come hell or high water or location." The friendships you have in IDA will remain with you always. We had several brand new member companies talking to as many people as they could, wanting to "hopefully become a permanent part of IDA." Of the 137 people on the pre-tour who spent three days riding, eating and exploring together, more than a few commented something like, " I've known them for years. I never really knew what all they did." You just can't believe how much the golfers enjoy their golf tournament; even if they are in shorts during 45 Fahrenheit / 7 Celcius temperatures (check out the pictures in this issue). Walking around the trade show, you'll hear old stories (you might have heard before). The room is full of competitors, manufacturers and dealers, all "getting down to business". Definitely an undercurrent of heightened stress can be felt. Despite everything, humans from many different countries find commonality, the spouses join in; couples and groups huddle together and smile for Carrie to capture the moment with her camera. Friday night? The whole shabang ends with laughter, singing, dancing and taking advantage of the last chance discuss or negotiate business decisions. The IDA convention is irreplaceable! Shaking hands while looking in the other person's eyes is when you really get to know them. Explaining one-on-one about your services or holding the product in your hands; all the technology in the world cannot replace just being human! So mark your calendars NOW and join us in Chicago, October 29,30 and 31 for the 2014 Convention. We want to see you at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Wacker Drive, downtown, by the river. A large number of member companies from the area have already planned a special welcome party. And while you are in front of your calendar, mark the NEW Miami convention dates for 2015, October 15-18. Remember, just show up, shake hands, and the business will come! From our hearts at the IDA office to yours, Alice, Larisa and I send our wishes for each of you to have lots of warm connections during the holidays and a prosperous new year! All the best to you and yours! Nancy IDA wants to particularly thank two of our favorite partners: Carrie Ellsworth Professional Photographer who joins her parents for member company Ellsworth Truck & Auto Machining, Inc. of Anaheim, CA and creates all the great shots of the IDA members during the convention every year. 4 & Terry McKay Marketing Manager for member company Black Cat Blades, Ltd. of Edmonton, Canada. Terry coordinates the golf tournaments every year, and of course, this year he solicited several other great folks from Black Cat. Together, they managed the logistics of the pretour and bus transfers. IDA UNIVERSAL November-Dcember 2013