Reflections on the 2006 AACPM Professional Development Conference from First-Time Attendees

The American Academy of Certified Public Managers® held its 18th Annual Professional Development Conference in downtown Louisville, Kentucky in September. The Galt House had a great setup for the training and meetings and was convenient to several of Louisville’s tourist attractions. This was our first time to attend the Conference and network with mangers from other states and also those from other regions of Kentucky. With Kentucky as the host state, we had an opportunity to experience the Conference itself and the work that is required for it to be successful.

Linda and Ande enjoying the Banquet

Certified Public Managers® from a number of states across the nation attended and we had the privilege to meet and exchange ideas with many of them. Wisconsin had a large group of attendees that were promoting next year’s conference in their state. There were numerous workshops from which to choose affording pertinent information for leaders and managers. Some of the topics covered were leadership styles, qualities of a good leader, successful state CPM programs, individual strength management and diversity.

The keynote speaker for the opening ceremony was Sylvia Lovely, CEO of the Kentucky League of Cities. She was a dynamic and informative speaker and talked about leadership and management. Imelda Roberts, Director of Human Resources for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Chair of the Executive Council of the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium, opened the session on the second day. The closing conference speaker was Silver Rose, who has been involved in the human resources field for 17 years. All these professionals shared their experiences and ideas to assist us in our professional and personal endeavors.

The Awards Banquet was held on Tuesday evening and members received achievement awards and service recognition. Several Kentucky members were honored for their contributions and accomplishments.

Attending state societies donated a basket of items to Kentucky’s Susan Smith

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