#APMP2019 Day One: The Power of Connection and Industry

A riveting keynote, an array of learning opportunities, and a dynamic, festive close made for a successful Tuesday

The official Day One of #APMP2019 started with a bang, and after several engaging, captivating educational sessions and panel discussions, it ended with a symphonic outro.

Before keynote speaker Colette Carlson graced the stage with her notable presence, a few household APMP names warmed up the record crowd, beginning with CEO Rick Harris’ leading words. “We’re focusing on you. That’s the most important part of APMP,” Harris said in his introductory address. “We have over 1,000 of you here today. … We’ve set an attendance record for the fourth straight year, and we have you to thank.”

After a few inspiring words from Beth Wingate, president of Lohfeld Consulting Group and APMP board member, APMP Chair Ginny Carson, CPP APMP, who is also director of Life Cycle Engineering, then announced the 2019 APMP Fellows. Also included in APMP’s 2019 awards are the recognition of young professionals through the 40 Under 40 program, announced earlier this year, and the new Charlie Divine APMP Certification Scholarship winners, set to be announced during Tuesday’s morning session of BPC—keep an eye out for that announcement!

 

Keynote Address

Tuesday morning’s keynote address by Colette Carlson, award-winning human behavior expert and speaker, brought the audience’s energy to the next level. With her candid delivery and interactive style, she sent BPC attendees into the day with refreshing perspective.

By focusing on communication and self-awareness, Carlson connected with the crowd. “Do you ever feel like you’re in an internal fog? It’s so easy to lose sight of our personal and professional goals,” she said. “The fog’s not going away, but I still want you to have that clarity you need to get on your professional path, your personal path, and rock it.”

Carlson then shifted the conversation toward human interaction. “Companies tell me they have more channels through which to communicate, but they’ve never had more challenges communicating. Your succession is in direct proportion to your ability to connect,” she said. “Deep human connection—there’s not an app for that.”

To close out her address, Carlson offered words of advice that many could take to heart: Take control or let it go. “Action is the antidote to stress, anxiety, and worry. But if it’s out of your control, let it go,” she advised, then bringing it back to the importance of connecting with people. “They say we live in a crazy world, and we do. It’s crazy beautiful, if we would just stop and connect with one another.”

 

Celebration of the Industry

After a full slate of educational sessions and panel discussions throughout the day, APMP put on the ever-popular Celebration of the Industry, sponsored by Shipley Associates. With refreshments, an unbelievable spread of food, and the lively Dueling Pianos, guests were treated to a unique experience found only at #APMP2019.

“Shipley is proud to support APMP as a corporate member, Platinum Sponsor of BPC, and sponsor of the BPC Celebration of the Industry event,” said Brad Douglas, executive vice president of global strategy at Shipley.“APMP is a unique community of professionals who come together to learn, share best practices, innovate, and have fun. Shipley values its association with APMP and all of its members, globally.”

Dueling Pianos, made up of Drew Tepe and Ronnie Smith, were the highlight of the entire day. Their by-request setup prompted vivacious dancing, an unplanned singing performance by one member—it was highly impressive—and yes, there was even a conga line shuffling across the stage at one point. The duo’s rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody drew the full attention of the audience and was clearly the high point of their epic performance in an incredibly powerful conclusion to Day One.

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