This year the Spring Conference was held in Beautiful Myrtle Beach South Carolina on April 4^th and 5, 2008. The location featured a self guided tour using the shuttle through the purple People Bridge, Newport on the Levee (including restaurants, shopping and the theater), Great American Ballpark and five other local area attractions. The hotel offered inspiring views of the coastline, tons of restaurants and shopping and indoor/outdoor swimming pools. Myrtle beach is one of the 13 fastest—growing metro areas in the US.

There was also an inspirational welcoming banquet with keynote presenter J. Lenora Bresler, an attorney, author, certified senior HR professional and radio personality who specializes in leadership, motivation change and conflict resolution.

The ABWA  Spring Conference provided an opportunity to learn some very applicable skills while at the same time earn Continuing Education Credits. The ABWA Makeover Track (I did not attend) helped area leaders to understand both the national association and get a detailed look at the big picture of the ABWA and learn what is on the horizon for the future.

I attended the Creativity Day Camp for Leaders, presented by Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center and facilitated by Patsy Writesman. Patsy has nearly 20 years of experience in management, marketing, customer service and sales. A professional speaker, strategist and consultant, she has served as an executive director for both EDS and Unisys Corp, leading dynamic marking teams there while directing Medicaid and student loan programs in five states. She provided a many tips on handling customers and employees, managing time, using resources effectively and recognizing the work of others.

Vicki Marlett, the national Vice President also shared words of inspiration and a poem she wrote just for the occasion.

Several awards were presented to members who helped to bring other new members on. A few members brought on as many as 300+ new members!

I also met  Lisa Wilber, a rags-to-riches story, nationally known direct-sales dynamo representing the Avon cosmetics company. She is the #4 money earner in the country out of 650,000 representatives with an annual income of around $320k! She drives a creatively airbrushed red white and blue PT cruiser with the slogan “beautifying America” on the side.  She sat at my table with other leaders from around the country.

The Conference was a great way to energize, refresh, learn new skills, brainstorm and network with peers. If you can make it to the next one, don’t hesitate to attend!

Nicole Vikhlyantsev