AER 2004 International Conference: Where Dreams Came True! By Billy T. Brookshire Chair, 2004 AER International Conference Committee
My condolences to those of you who missed the 2004 AER International Conference, “AER: Where Dreams Come True." From the opening moments, we knew we were part of something wonderful.
As AER member Tony Candela said during the Town Hall Meeting, “This has been the most inspirational conference we’ve ever had.”
There were many inspirational moments:
As the color guard prepared to enter the Opening Session, President Elaine Sveen told us that three members of the color guard had just returned from the War in Iraq.
Then came the magic of AER members bearing the flags of our chapters. We watched as they painted the conference hall with the colors of dedication, collaboration, support and comradeship.
We were even treated to a conference anthem as Chair of Chapter Presidents (now AER President-elect) Sandy Ruconich sang “A Whole New World” to Executive Director Mark Richert’s flawless accompaniment.
Keynoter Kevin O’Connor reminded us that leadership begins within. He also reminded us of our powerful mission, and of our strong connection/commitment to each other and to those we serve.
We honored our fallen members by answering for them and remembering that we are their legacy.
The Florida Host Chapter led by Moe Floegel and Jennifer Hadsell established the perfect spirit for the conference: The AER 20th Birthday Beach Party. The whole evening was filled with the positive energy of AER friendship and fun! Even the famous Blues Brothers put in an appearance.
At the AER 2004 Awards Banquet, we cheered and dabbed our eyes as we watched Eugene Bourquin, Chuck Young, Kathy Huebner, and Bill Wiener receive our most prestigious awards.
At the Inaugural Brunch we applauded the excellent service of President Elaine Sveen and cheered as new President Greg Goodrich invited us to join him and the 2004-2006 AER Board, and Executive Director Mark Richert in making AER even better.
All week long, the inspiration continued as hundreds of smiling faces wandered the exhibits and poster sessions, attended professional presentations by the brightest and best in our field, checked out the job market at the Job Fair, rubbed shoulders with folks attending the NAPVI conference, and networked with their professional friends. Many folks brought their entire families who played at Walt Disney World while we enjoyed the conference and each other.
All in all, a wonderful 20th Birthday party.
Accolades go to Barbara Sherr who flawlessly coordinated her first International Conference, to Moe Floegel and Jennifer Hadsell, who led the most enthusiastic host committee we’ve ever had, and to the members of the AER 2004 Conference Committee who, with the help of Division Chairs, planned a wonderful conference.
Take care, my friends. Wish you all could’ve been there. It truly was an inspiring dream come true.
