Message from our Board Chair

Hello and Happy August to my friends in travel!

It’s that time of year again when our calendars start filling up as we approach fall and winter with all of the activities and wonderful holiday celebrations awaiting us. So, be sure to get the 2022 Peer Group Conference in the Quad Cities February 21-25, 2022 on your calendar – and we are planning to be IN PERSON! Registration is now open! You can get registered online today. I look forward to seeing you there. 

I’ve recently returned from a trip to Seattle with three of my good friends. We had a great time, enjoying the city and being together again. We stayed downtown, walked everywhere we could, and tried to take in as much as we could in the short time we were there. We stayed at the Westin, and one afternoon we were relaxing in the hotel lounge before our dinner reservation. Our server, Clarence, was wonderful and gave us some great advice on where to go and what to see in the limited free time we had allowed ourselves. While we were talking, I noticed on his name tag, of course, his name, but underneath his name was “My passion is my family”. I thought this was a very interesting concept. It prompted a conversation between us we wouldn’t have had otherwise, and made our stay that much more memorable. So much of what we do, especially now, is so transactional. This took away that feeling, inviting us to ask him more about his passion instead of the usual server/customer interaction. It felt good to connect, even if in a small way. The drink was good, I already forgot what I ordered, but I won’t soon forget the Westin’s employee Clarence whose passion is his family.

Until next time,

Allison