Looking forward to TIA2019
Tell me with whom you consort and I will tell you who you are; if I know how you spend your time, then I know what might become of you. ~ Goethe
You know how some sayings just keep reverberating in your life? The above quote is one I copied down years ago, and it continues to inform the way I live, what I do, and who I choose to spend my limited time with.
It’s funny though, how different things stand out to us at different times of our lives. I’ve mostly focused on the first part of this quote, concentrating on the people part, but as I grow older, I realize the second part of the quote raises the stakes, and that I want to remember.
TIA 2019
Next week, I’ll be heading to Orlando, Florida, for the Transportation Intermediaries Association Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition #TIA2019Con. Last year, the conference marked its 40th year. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been members of this organization since 1993.
I never get tired of this one. As I prepare to attend the 41st annual convention, I’ve been thinking about everything I’ve learned over the years. I’ve met so many people through these TIA conferences. I’ve learned so much and been a part of so many interesting conversations.
After years of attendance, TIA’s annual conference continues to be relevant and necessary to me. It’s the only conference solely for third party logistics providers, and each year, several of us from AM Transport Services make the journey. In fact, each year we take someone who has never had the opportunity to feel the energy, experience the camaraderie, and take part in the educational experience.
People
But why do I keep attending? It’s a good question. I could sit out once in a while, let someone else take my place. After all, how many conferences do you continue to attend year after year? The truth is that most of the time, we are all gung ho about a conference for a few years, and then our interest starts to wane. But that’s not how it works with the TIA Conference, is it?
TIA membership is one area where I apply the truth of the above quote. These men and women share ideas and best practices. We talk about new technologies and tools of the trade. We share our successes and our failures. I’m always surprised by the generosity of members, how willing they are to talk about what’s working, to offer both advice and feedback.
In a recent blog post, James Altucher writes that we all need to “surround [ourselves] with creative, smart, good, honest people and good things will happen.” He calls this our “scene.” He makes a compelling case for success when we find a group of like-minded people whose work inspires us. Where do I find many of those people? At the yearly TIA conference.
Lots to offer
Sure the TIA conference offers a lot more: compelling education–from sessions on climate friendly logistics or surviving market swings to cargo claims, blockchain innovations, and supply chain visibility. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I love networking, meeting new people, and traveling to the always excellent locations.
But the membership is what really draws me. When I make the time to travel to a conference, I want to surround myself with people who will make me a better person both in business and in life. And that’s who I find at the annual TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition.
I hope to see you there.