We all have personal narratives that shape our perception of ourselves and our world. For the longest time, one of my “stories” was that I was not a “joiner.” However, attending my first NCA-MN Chapter event in May 2019 changed that. By the end of the gathering, I knew I wanted to join the organization. I re-framed my story to be that I am a "joiner" when I find the right group of people. Fast forward to January 2020, I became a board member and feel incredibly privileged to remain a part of the National Concierge Association, Minnesota Chapter.

There are so many benefits to being a part of a professional organization. I’ve been fortunate to connect with people worldwide, learn about new places, hone my leadership skills, and build lifelong relationships. You never know where connections may lead to.

I was fortunate to attend the National Concierge Association Annual Education Conference in New Orleans this summer. The conference was held in honor of the association's 25th anniversary, which made it an even more special occasion.

The conference provides an opportunity for hospitality and travel professionals from across the country to connect, exchange resources, and enhance our knowledge and skills.

One of the things I look forward to is the speakers and presenters at the NCA conferences. This year’s sections did not disappoint. All of the sessions were excellent, but these stood out to me:

Art of Appreciation: Creating a Culture of Individual Recognition with Dr. Harsha Chacko

Throughout his presentation, Dr. Harsha imparted invaluable insights into the intricacies of managing a workforce of five generations. As we delved deeper into the topic, I gained a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges of being a successful leader in such a diverse and complex environment. I have several insights I plan to share with my coaching clients who are in leadership roles.

The Louisiana Seafood Industry with Don Davis

Don Davis's presentation hooked me from the start, as I consider myself a bit of a history geek. How he weaved historical events surrounding the Louisiana Purchase and its impact on modern life was fascinating. Anthony Bourdain once said, "I think food, culture, people, and landscape are all inseparable." That is the essence of Don’s seafood presentation and its impact on Louisiana’s history, culture, and cuisine.

It’s Time to Take Laughter Seriously with Sarah Routman, Laugh Healthy

Sometimes, we only truly understand something once we've experienced it ourselves. I had heard about Sarah Routman's mission to promote laughter as a component of wellness. Still, it wasn't until I participated in one of her sessions on a Saturday at 9 am that I fully grasped the profound impact of her work. Sarah expertly combines the science behind the benefits of laughter on our physical and mental well-being with exercises that leave our cheeks aching and tears streaming down our faces from uncontrollable laughter. I highly recommend checking out her work if you're looking for a dynamic group brain break at your next conference.

In addition to the conference, I was able to experience my fair share of music in New Orleans.

I recently achieved a long-time goal by checking off a bucket list item: attending a jazz performance at Preservation Hall in New Orleans. It was the ultimate experience for New Orleans-style jazz and an incredible demonstration of ensemble performance. The music left an everlasting impression on me during high school when I attended a concert they performed in Indiana with one of my now long-time friends (aside from my wonderful sister). I wanted to relive this uniquely American art form from the perspective of a jazz artist. One of my biggest takeaways from the trip… no matter where you are, musicians can always spot other musicians in the audience due to our emotional and physical responses to the magic created by each musician's reaction to the music.

Music has the power to unite people from all over the world. I have the pleasure of collaborating with Josh May, a talented musician and arranger from Minnesota who also plays with Lena Prima & her band in New Orleans. I took the opportunity to check out the band at the historic Hotel Monteleone, located in the French Quarter. The hotel is home to the rotating Carousel Bar, a stunning music venue. Witnessing the immense talent of these musicians was a truly unforgettable experience, and it was a special moment to connect with fellow musicians from across the country.

I left New Orleans feeling oddly tired (recording breaking heat will do that to a person) and simultaneously energized and uplifted by the fantastic connections I had made and the conference and within the music scene. All in all, my journey was a resounding success.