CPMers Gather in Kansas for 16th Annual AACPM Professional Development Conference
The Yellow Brick Road leading to Kansas was busy in the month of June, 2004, as nearly 275 guests attended the 16th Annual AACPM Professional Development Conference in Topeka. Guests were greeted by spectacular sunny skies, beautiful landscapes, and an excited conference team.
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MADAME SPEAKER - Kansas Society of CPM President Shirley Hollis welcomes the attendees to the 16th Annual AACPM Professional Development Conference. Shirley is speaking from the Speaker's rostrum in the House of Representative Chambers at the Kansas Statehouse.
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Using themes that were in The Wizard of Oz, the conference offered professional development tracks focused on leading with heart, courage, and brains. In the opening session, held in the House Chambers of the historic Kansas Capitol, attendees were welcomed by several city and state dignitaries. State Representative Barbara Ballard's thoughts on leadership resulted in two standing ovations.
During the afternoon of June 21st and all day on June 22nd, participants were allowed to select workshop sessions of interest to them. Opportunities included topics on emotional intelligence; dealing with difficult issues; rewards and recognition; employee retention; leadership; difficult conversations; teamwork; threats; and motivation. For the opening general session on June 22nd, Ron Willis presented "I Am Their Leader, Which Way Did They Go?"
The final day of the conference, June 23rd, guests were treated to the final keynote speaker, Mark Hood. Dressed in full costume as the Wizard, Mr. Hood summarized concepts that were shared in each of the different sessions. Following his speech, the closing ceremonies were conducted, including an update from 2005 state host, New Hampshire.
A full agenda of activities kept attendees busy throughout the conference. Sunday evening, June 20th, guests hopped on a Topeka trolley bound for the Kansas Museum of History. The museum, nestled in the scenic countryside, made an ideal setting for a chance to sample a spread of Kansas food and beverage delights. Following the meal, guests were greeted by an Amelia Earhart impersonator and then were allowed to tour the museum.
Monday evening, guests were treated to a Wild West Hoedown, complete with fried chicken and all the extras. Set in an historic limestone structure, participants enjoyed country music, skits, wild west reenactments, and dancing.
Tuesday evening, the group gathered for an impressive Emerald City awards banquet. Numerous awards were presented to deserving members of the American Academy of Certified Public Managers. During the evening, drawings were held to give away fantastic baskets of goodies that represented each state.
The conference officially concluded about noon on June 23rd, but many attendees stayed to enjoy a bus trip to Kansas City.
Indeed, the conference was a success for many reasons: educational sessions with outstanding speakers, networking opportunities, fun activities, and an impressive hotel and conference center. The team from Kansas was proud to serve as host!
Because the quality of the conference was so positive and rewarding, conferees are excited and looking forward to continuing the experience in New Hampshire in 2005.
Click here to see many more conference photos.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the American Academy of Certified Public Managers® gathers at the end of the annual Award Banquet in Topeka, Kansas. From left are Robinil Jameson of Kentucky, Member at Large for Member Affairs; Debbie Smith of Oklahoma, President-elect; Julie Felice of Utah, Secretary; Ron Buchholz of Wisconsin, President; Larry Totten of Kentucky, Past President; Ed Burt III of North Carolina, Treasurer; and Bill Herman of New Hampshire, Member at Large for Conferences and Communications.
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