Hello GMC Members!
Where has summer gone? At times, this summer feels like it is dragging on and other times it is flying by. Thinking about back to school just seems odd to me as a mom. I am not sure why…maybe it is the fact that we did not close out last year like we typically do or the uncertainty of how it is all going to work. Regardless of what it will be, I know this is true…it will be much different in so many ways for all. Like everything these days, we have had to reinvent or innovate every time we turn around.
Prior to COVID, I partnered with my company’s Innovation Leader, Amy Kramer, to help create something new and different for our company. When I was introduced to Amy, I thought “what does she do”? After working with her for several months, I was in awe of her. She has taught me so much about the process of innovation. I learned in order to innovate one must look at things differently, ask a lot of questions, be ready to embrace change and realize you might not get it right the first time but keep trying. What I have seen through the COVID crisis is classic innovation. Our industry’s resiliency, the desire to keep moving forward and ability to adapt is innovation, which reads “the act of introducing something new.”
Isn’t this all new? Is anything the same in our business?
At GMC we are feeling the same. All we are doing this year is new! We have had to introduce innovative ways to keep moving forward. I am proud to share again that our Bylaw changes have passed. We will be moving forward with changing our structure to be nimbler and more flexible. Thank you for all of those that participated in our vote.
On the note of involvement, I urge each of you to consider volunteering for GMC. It is a new day in GMC! Innovation and ideas will be key. We need dedicated and passionate people to do just this. Our wonderful Secretary, Jennifer Sommers, wrote an article in this newsletter to explain more about the opportunities and what you need to know. Below are the important dates around volunteering:
- Board of Director Nominations – see link here – Open until August 28th
- Committee Chair Applications Process – September 1 – 15
- Call for Volunteers – September 15 – October 15
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of our Board of Directors. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire career in the middle of a pandemic. I have created so many wonderful relationships because of GMC. So many will be lifelong friends.
Additionally, I am happy to announce that as of today we are opening the 2020 Awards Nomination Process. See the additional information within the newsletter to nominate of a fellow member for one of our distinguished annual awards. What better way to say to someone that they mean a lot to you and the Chapter than nominating them for an award? See the nomination link here.
Finally, I would like to invite you to attend all our important virtual events. All are important conversations, and all are welcome. Please join us to contribute. The links below will take you right to the registration page.
- August 20 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT
Being Black in the Business Events Industry: A Community Conversation Series
- August 26 @ 12:00pm – 1:30pm CDT
Student Insight Series: Emerging from COVID
- September 10 @ 2:00pm – 4:00pm CDT
Quarterly Education Webinar: The Business Events Story
- September 24 @ 12:00pm – 1:00pm CDT
We have place holders on our website for the November and December events for now. We are currently evaluating what we can do and will keep you posted. Thank you for your patience.
In closing, I know there is so much keeping us all up at night. We have been forced to think differently because of this pandemic. It is hard on so many levels!!! We have worries that we have never experienced before and stress no matter where you sit. My hope for us all is that we look at this situation with optimism. I know I find it hard at times, but it is a must to keep moving forward. Try to think about this as an opportunity to innovate what you do and our industry. I want to share an innovation quote that I like.
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” –Albert Einstein
Thank you for your time and dedication to the Greater Midwest Chapter.
Be Well,
Rachael Riggs – 2020 GMC PCMA Chapter President
773-590-1613
