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May 3-5, 2013. Let the Washington Post describe the show: “The National Rifle Association’s convention bristled with combative and triumphant rhetoric, having achieved a major victory in 2013: defeating the White House-backed package of gun-control legislation. The gun-rights group seems stronger than ever, with tens of thousands of enthusiastic participants, record high membership and effusive approval for the path taken by the its leader, Wayne LaPierre. Beneath the surface, however, some NRA allies are uneasy, saying that the organization is facing challenges on a scale it has not faced before. These include changing demographics and patterns of gun ownership; a new willingness of gun-state lawmakers to buck the NRA; and the rise of an organized and well-funded gun-control movement”. There is a “debate over whether the NRA made a mistake by pugnaciously opposing all of this year’s major gun-control proposals — including background checks for gun purchases”. Jumping the gun, perhaps…?
April 11-14, 2013. NSTA is the National Science Teachers Association, and they have been bringing science educators together for more than 50 years. People came to discover methods and strategies for improving science learning and teaching, facilitate professional discussions,
and gather the latest information regarding science education. This year’s theme was “Next Generation Science: learning, literacy and living”. Different conference strands focused on Next Generation Assessments: Effectively Measuring Student Learning; Next Generation Elementary Science: Building the Foundation; Next Generation Special Populations: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners; Next Generation Technology: Putting the “T” in STEM. The conference committee worked to develop a series of sessions and presentations geared to stimulating professional growth, motivate a sense of inquiry, and promote lifelong learning. Sounds like science is actually something of an art…
February 26-28, 2013. This show demonstrated that manufacturing solutions have evolved from simple, off-the-shelf machines to highly specialized technologies of the future. Machinery designs that were once mundane and common are now almost works of art — original, creative, and designed to work with a sophistication that’s efficient and compelling. At HousTex the art of manufacturing was on full display. Whatever the industry, visitors could discover unique and original solutions for their most demanding and perplexing manufacturing challenges. Information is power, we were told, and there were presentations and demonstrations on the latest technologies, including some that had not even been reported it trade publications. Of special interest was the Laser Learning Lounge, conceived to promote laser technology in North America, by educating the market and advancing the laser technology base. Laser it or lose it, the message seemed to be…
January 28-30, 2013. AHR? It sounds like what the Pirate King would say as he opens his treasure chest. But no, seeing the acronym above the registration desk means you made it to the International Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Expo. The drive for greater energy efficiency, greener products and sustainable technologies has, we heard, accelerated the pace at which new AC and heating products and innovations are coming to market. In this challenging economy, these professionals must also be more innovative in their businesses, or risk getting left behind. Present were over 1,800 manufacturers and suppliers of the latest HVACR systems, equipment, products and services. Attendees included Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors, Facility & Operations Management and Building Owners, Consulting, Project & Design Engineering types, folk from Public Utilities and Government Agencies… Is it just me, or is it chilly in here? I’m heading for the heating end of this jamboree…
January 22-25, 2013. The NBAA is the National Business Aviation Association, and this is the conference where the aviation industry’s schedulers and dispatchers put their heads together and think. NBAA is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient and productive. The Association represents more than 9,000 companies, which, we heard, have one thing in common: the need for fast, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across the country and around the world. Business aircraft enable trips involving stops at several locations, then a return to headquarters the same day, so big bucks can be saved on hotel rooms, rental cars, meals and other expenses. You can tighten your belt, not just your seat-belt..
Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2012. IFMA is the International Facility Management Association, and their World Workplace Conference & Expo is the largest and most longstanding annual conference and exposition for facility management and related professions. The impact and influence of strategic facility management on business success is escalating, we heard. Smart Facility Management (FM) is apparently about more than just managing the facility; it’s about sustaining today’s workplace and steering FM strategies to support tomorrow’s work. Oh, and golf. At last year’s event tournament golfers and event sponsors made it possible for the Utilities Council of IFMA to fund three $5,000 scholarships and cover workplace travel and attendance expenses for the scholarship recipients. So a day on the links once again made it possible for three students to receive a $5,000 scholarship again this year. Hey, who’s managing the facilities at the 19th hole…?
Oct. 21-24, 2012. MGMA-ACMPE tells us it is the premier membership association for professional administrators and leaders of medical group practices. Why such a long, complicated acronym? The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), and its standard-setting body, the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) merged to form a new association, MGMA-ACMPE. The Association has been in the business of delivering professional education, resources and political advocacy for medical practice management. The Association started as a small network of clinic managers, called the National Association of Clinic Managers. The stated aim is elevating the performance of medical practice leaders and their organizations, by connecting members, building partnerships, setting the standards for certification, advocating for physician practice and providing innovative solutions. Membership comprises administrators, CEOs, physicians in management, board members, office managers and other management professionals. What they all need is “practice”…
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