From Convention Daily: Welcome from the President!

On behalf of the AHRA and Education Foundation Boards of Directors, AHRA staff, Annual Meeting Design Team, and our many volunteers, I welcome each of you to AHRA’s 45th Annual Meeting and Exposition!

This is where the true “magic” of our association comes to life, and this year’s event will not disappoint! We have not only filled the Anaheim Marriott with AHRAers, but we also have:

• nearly 1,000 members, vendors, and presenters in attendance,
• 3 nationally renowned keynote speakers to make us laugh and inspire us to think differently, and
• over 100 breakout sessions where you can hear about best practices, new industry trends, and meet other members.

Today we have several activities in motion, from the early rising golfers headed to the links to raise money for the EF (see you there!), to the CRA Exam Workshop and Executive Leadership Program, the first sessions of our Basic and Advaned tracks, and a symposium on CDS. Tonight, we will greet our new members and first time attendees, and then officially kick things off at the President’s Reception.

My challenge to each of you this week is to heed my call to action from the end of last year’s Annual Meeting and fully engage in all of the events, sessions, and activities. Ask questions and share stories to help raise the bar for leadership in our industry. And, above all, have fun!

Now for 3 quick recommendations:

1. Use the AHRA Annual Meeting App
If you haven’t done so already, download the app at www.ahra.org/app to view the schedule of sessions, set up alerts and reminders, share your photos, and simply be organized!

2. Spend Quality Time with our Vendor Partners
We have dedicated time each day for you to interact directly with our vendor partners at our Exhibit Hall (pg. 6) and at vendor symposiums. Please take time to hear about the latest technologies, share your needs, and thank them for their continued support of our association!

3. Interact with our Annual Meeting Design Team
Jason Scott, Design Team Chair, and his entire team will be available to point you in the right direction, answer your questions, and introduce you to others. Thank them for helping to organize a great event and ask them how YOU can help at this year’s meeting and at future events.

A sincere thank you to all of you for the honor of serving as your President for the past year. Together we have achieved so much! Our association is now over 5,500 members strong, we are financially sound, and we are being asked to share our opinions and expertise with other industry organizations and on the national stage.

Keep your ears open throughout the week for the sound of the AHRA conch shell inspiring each of us to engage and celebrate. We have much to be proud of. Here’s to a great week together!

Click here to read the full Sunday issue of Convention Daily!