about : president's letter

by Randy Fox
May 10, 2006

Over the last several years I've developed my own personal conference rating methodology. First, I evaluate the content of the program. Is it relevant to what I do and think about every day in my practice? Is it well presented or is it so confusing that even if it were relevant I wouldn't know it was (for me, at least, great content trumps great delivery every time). Next, I think about the conversations I've had outside of the meeting rooms. How many people have I spoken with that I've learned something new and important from? Are they willing to share and help me grow as a professional or as a person? Are they closed and secretive? Arrogant and aloof? Finally, I do my best to gauge whether or not I'm alone having that experience or whether most of the group is also engaged and excited by what they're learning. While there's nothing scientific about my methodology, I've been pretty accurate in my assessments for awhile.

By all accounts, then, the recent meeting in Chicago was one of the best ever. I personally came away energized, excited and optimistic. While the board sometimes battles internally, we do so because we're passionate about the organization and our mission and frustrated by our inability to reach more advisors and effect more change. I am certain that the conference had enough impact on the attendees to cause them to become more engaged in their professional commitment to philanthropy and more involved in the association as volunteers and leaders. We're so close I can feel it. Please join with us in making the world a better place.

Respectfully,

Randy Fox