I’ve been attending since the early 90’s and it is wonderful to see so many familiar faces and so many new ones every year. It is always a delicious tension to juggle attending sessions and spending time out in the hallway conducting business. More often than not business wins – but either way you come out ahead. You can learn valuable insights in the sessions or you can make valuable connections in the schmoozefest out by the coffee.
Ever since 9/11 EdNet has also been a somber reminder for me of the events that day. We were all in a general session when it happened and we retired en masse to the bar (not open) to watch in horror and sympathy as the grisly events unfolded. We could see the smoke at the Pentagon from our rooms in the hotel. I remember walking in the park a couple of days later and the unsettling silence because there were no planes weaving down the Potomac to National. Every 15 minutes a lone F18 would circle overhead.
No one could leave Washington and no one really wanted to conduct business. Strong bonds of friendship were forged in those days of waiting and grieving. The people who were there that week have a special place in my heart.
I’m hoping I attend in 20 years. I’m optimistic for the future – precisely because I’ve seen the impact that people like Nelson, Vicki, and Anne can have. Thanks.