By Thad Plumley
I’m sure you have heard people from a variety of associations through the years say they “can’t wait to see you” at an upcoming event. I know you’ve also seen similar phrases in bold, bright fonts on postcards and brochures promoting a variety of conferences and trade shows.
You probably saw through it. Marketing-speak, you thought as you scanned the text. “Like they’d really notice if I was in attendance or not,” you said to yourself.
So, with all of that, you’re going to have to trust me on this one: I can’t wait to see you in Nashville this December! I swear. After all, I’m not a marketer, I’m a publisher. And I’m also going through trade show withdrawal.
The National Ground Water Association’s Groundwater Week 2021, which takes place December 14-16 in Nashville, Tennessee, will mark the first time I have been at a trade show in two years. I’m sure it will be the first for many of you as well.
I didn’t get a chance to attend the South Atlantic Well Driller’s Jubilee or some of the state shows that took place this summer. Nor was I in attendance at the handful of state conferences that were able to pull their events off in early 2020 before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic locked the doors to all our professional development classrooms.
I’ve missed it.
I’ve missed being among the thousands walking the long aisles of the Groundwater Week Exhibit Hall, checking out the latest tools and machines that will make your job easier, faster, and safer. I mean who hasn’t missed taking one step into the Exhibit Hall, looking up, and seeing dozens of shiny, brightly colored drill rig masts nearly touch the ceiling?
I’ve missed the workshops with industry experts from across the country explain new techniques and important concepts about the groundwater industry. I’ve missed looking around a learning session and discovering it is standing room only.
I’ve missed networking and talking with friends from around the country who I have made attending Groundwater Week the last 20 years. I mean, come on, we all missed the Welcome Party last year, right?
I’ve missed being awed at an awards ceremony when presenters speak of the accomplishments of the winners. There is no doubt our industry is filled with amazing people who have done amazing things. The most amazing thing—every year there are more equally accomplished people getting much-deserved hardware.
Heck, I even missed waiting in line at the food trucks outside the convention center. Okay, perhaps I’m getting carried away now, but I’m sure you see where I’m going.
I’m really excited for Groundwater Week 2021. I truly can’t wait to see you there!
Thad Plumley is the editor of WWJ and director of information products at the National Ground Water Association. He can be reached at tplumley@ngwa.org, or (800) 551-7379, ext. 1594.