Can we do it? Can we actually host an in-person convention? You bet we can. Finally we are going to see each other again face-to-face. For some it may be mask-to-mask, but that is fine. Everyone is welcome, and we want to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Just this fall I had the opportunity to promote our New Orleans convention, only for it to be canceled after a hurricane. That was the right decision at the time, knowing that many of our vendors had to make decisions well in advance of arriving on site to secure their booth. With that, I am a little nervous about what could come next, as they say. We have overcome a worldwide pandemic and a natural disaster, so nothing can stop us now! Right? At least, I don’t think so.
All kidding aside, we have a great program for everyone in Grapevine, Texas, April 4–7, and our staff at AWCI has been working hard to make this a safe experience for everyone.
If you haven’t already done so, take a quick minute to review the convention program on the AWCI website. As you will see, there are some of our more traditional programs you have come to expect from the AWCI. This year, however, there will be more programming, keynote speakers and time to engage with the fellow members you have not seen in some time. This is also our last INTEX Expo as we turn the page to create an even more dynamic experience in the months to come related to the 2023 trade-show floor and vendor experience.
I hope you are planning to join us and are thinking about who to bring along with you. Be sure to invite other industry partners, emerging leaders within your reach and maybe a competitor or two. Be prepared to learn new things, see old friends and make a few new ones. Hear from national speakers, weigh in on some panel discussions, walk the aisles of the INTEX Expo to see new and innovative products—and just have some fun. We have it all.
See you there!Shawn Burnum is the 2021–2022 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry and vice president of operations at Performance Contracting, Inc. in Lenexa, Kan.
