Sunday, Jun 21...last day has arrived! Moving slowly this morning...very slowly...the fast pace of the conference has finally caught up with me. Considering that I am about 6 months pregnant, it caught up with me later than I thought it would. On a personal note, it has been inspiring to see other pregnant women at conference...and to see families of attendees at the conference as well. I would love to hear from the other pregnant women about their experiences and how they coped with the long days and late nights. AND let's get in touch to connect about being new mothers in the arts. I'm due October 5, 2008. I wish some of the sessions had happened sooner in the conference, (i.e., the Emerging Leaders Meeting). This would have given us more time to get to know each other over the course of the conference, but it was great to see some of those new faces at the reception. If you didn't get to see the World Cafe and have some time tonight before you head home, pop in and check it out...even just the main floor. The reception hosted by the Emerging Leaders Council was PACKED!! Lots of energy, lots of conversation...

One thing that I heard AND experienced is the challenge of connecting with locals. I had a chance to sit down with Donna Collins, Ohio Citizens for the Arts (also blogging at the conference) and Kathleen (don't have her card with me, so I don't remember her last name, but it was long), Cincinnati Arts...and it took us coming to Philadelphia to get the chance to meet/chat. Saw this at the Emerging Leaders meeting and overheard similar comments on other runs through CenterStage. While it is indicative of the environments we work in, it also validates the need for a forum for all of us to gather...it supports the power of the opportunity to connect/network. I'm off to breakfast and a meeting, then a session and the rest of the day...unfortunately, my conference experience will end at 3:30 p.m...so to all of you who get to stay for the whole thing, enjoy the closing event, I hear it will be great and make the most of you last day. I challenge you to: - Introduce yourself to that person you have exchanged smiles with all conference long. - Finish off your business card stash and make some connections. - Ask questions in all your sessions today and help keep the energy lively and engaging. - Commit to following up with EVERYONE you met. - LEARN, LEARN, LEARN!