Conference Wrap Up
How Inspiring!

by Gina Roberts-Grey

Oh, what a difference a weekend makes. A funny thing happens when you put a bunch of writers in a room–or hotel–for a few days. They don't just brainstorm markets for a pitch, trade Twitter handles and swap editor emails. They inspire each other.

The isolating world we tend to immerse ourselves in makes it easy for writers to forget how invigorating it is being around other people. Lost in our deadlines and platform-building, we forget face-to-face interaction with fellow writers is as valuable as a dependable back-up system. Or an address book ripe with editor's contacts. And when you have the chance to meet and mingle with some of the most talented and prolific writers in the world, it's hard to not catch an inspiring buzz.

If you attended the 39th Annual Writers Conference in April, I hope you were swept up in all the inspiration, energy and excitement. You might have even been forever immortalized in one of the candids of ASJA's own paparazza, Kathy Sena, some of which are featured in this issue. Or discovered a love affair with a handy little gadget named Poken.

If you were there, you probably noticed one of the most inspiring themes that quickly emerged during the weekend: resilience. Neither travel-hampering ash clouds nor speakers whose buses where waylaid by city traffic dampened the spirits of conference-goers. Yes, ASJA members are resilient. For 2½ days the halls of the historic Roosevelt Hotel were filled with Conference attendees sharing stories of how they jump-started their careers or dove head-first into new media.

Keynoter Liz Holzemer taught us that perseverance and resilience really do pay off. And fellow keynoter Peter Shankman reminded us that resilience means planning for success–not failure.

There was another unmistakable theme that arose from the weekend: pride.

Stepping off the elevators on the mezzanine level Friday morning rendered me near speechless (something that doesn't happen all that often). At just after the crack of dawn, I was faced with an auspicious team of ASJA member volunteers ready to register attendees and open the boards for Personal Pitch. And that proud volunteerism never waned. Member mentors proudly offered their sage advice throughout Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, proud moderators concluded their panels, helping to close out the inspiring weekend.

It's no secret that the conference requires nothing short of a small volunteer army to run. And over the course of 50 hours, more than 125 members proudly directed traffic, moderated panels, rang Personal Pitch bells, handed out awards, were panelists, stuffed gift bags, and so much more. And if I didn't get the chance to thank each of you personally, please accept my deepest heartfelt thanks now. You are the backbone of the conference. You all were so inspiring.

The conference committee sprang into action planning ASJA2010 way back in the spring of 2009. Energy, enthusiasm or creativity were never short in supply. And because they're too modest to give themselves a well-deserved hand, here are the names you should know. These folks poured their blood, sweat, and tears into every minute of the conference weekend.

Beverly Blair Harzog
Chair, Personal Pitch

Greg Breining
Chair, Mentoring

Jackie Dishner and Rebecca Allen
Co-chairs, Networking and Ice-breakers

Seánan Forbes
Chair, Gift Bags

Bruce Fraser & Norm Schreiber
Co-chairs, Saturday. Night Dinners

Brenda Lange
Chair, Idea Marketplace

Linda Melone
Chair, Publicity

Sandy Beckwith, Damon Brown, Cheryl Harris Sharman, Kathy Sena, and Roberta Wax.
Conference committee members

Special thanks to the ASJA staff led by Executive Director Alexandra Owens, who flawlessly and tirelessly supported the whole crew!

Of course, there would be no conference without the wonderful attendees. Thanks to everyone who boarded planes, trains, automobiles to get there. And if you were lucky enough to be within walking distance, we're so glad you joined us.

Next year, the conference turns the big 4-0. To celebrate, the conference is having a little work done—a few nips here and tucks there in order to make sure it remains energetic and relevant.

Over the summer, you'll be hearing more about ASJA2011 in email blasts, on the forum and online. For now, don't forget to follow the conference on Twitter at @ASJA2011 to make sure you're first to hear all the great scoop on ASJA2011.

Can't wait to see you all next spring!

Gina Roberts-Grey is the ASJA2011 conference chair.