Another amazing AME International Conference has come and gone. It feels surreal that we all gathered just a few days ago to share, learn and grow as we ReImagined Excellence. What a fun time in Cleveland, and how impressive was it that the honorable Cleveland mayor, Justin Bibb, kicked off the week with such a warm welcome. We are so grateful to our exceptional keynote speakers, Aneesa Muthana, Bob Chapman, Mike Evans, Richard Sheridan, Michael Ray, Emilio Tenuta, Peggy Gulick, Kevin Clayton and Billy Taylor and his panel of Tiffany Collins, Keith Hamilton, Viktoría Jensdóttir and Jessica Sublett. Of course, our MC, Jon Colby, was incredible as usual – there is a strong rumor that Jon will be back again next year!
We are now digesting what we learned and contemplating how to best apply this newfound knowledge to our organizations, where we will truly witness the value of gathering with industry leaders and colleagues in varied stages of their continuous improvement journeys.
I will share more in the coming weeks about the conference. This week, I would simply like to extend my gratitude to all of you. There are so many people to thank; my letter would be miles long if I listed everyone. Please know that whether you planned, organized, contributed to, sponsored, exhibited at, hosted at, presented at, engaged at, volunteered at, supported, or attended Cleveland’s international conference, your presence was felt. For that, I am deeply grateful.
Of course, we are so grateful for our AME Cleveland conference chair, April Schmidt, and her team: Cenise Waites, Rick Wiltse, Diem Lewis, Barb Clayton, and Ellen Sieminski; the AME home team: Desiree Dolecki, Denise Engwall, Barb Clayton (yes, two roles), Laura Robertson, and Sara O’Hara. The program team of Brian Tapajna, Diem Lewis, Jennifer Ayers, Lynne Johnson, Nicki Schmidt, Steve Ebbing, Melissa Kaufman, and Michael Muilenburg did a wonderful job. Finally, a special thanks to Taylor Laidley, Jessi Elder, Meghna Kamboj, Amy Powers and Joy Heubner for their support behind the scenes.
I’ve received so many notes and calls since the conference. By far, the number one comment is that people felt connected. They networked and learned from each of you while making new friends. This bonding and these long-term connections are what differentiates AME conferences from others. And if you had your photo taken at the photo booth with your new friends, please share it on LinkedIn. How fun was that?
Let’s not stop the experience! Continue your discussions with those you met on-site. Reach out to AME to get connected to your AME Regions. Access the AME Lean Sensei to help you improve the way you grow to maximize results. Join or start an AME Consortia. Learn more about the AME Excellence Award. And, of course, you can always reach out to me personally at any time.
There are so many ways to connect with AME. As we have shared before, we are always looking for volunteers. AME VP Volunteer Support Ellen Sieminski shares, “If you’ve volunteered for AME – whether that’s been for one hour, one month, one year or one decade – from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your passion, knowledge and support enable AME to help lean practitioners around the globe share, learn and grow.”
I echo Ellen’s thanks. It was so wonderful to see you all in Cleveland. Mark your calendars for AME Atlanta 2024 International Conference, where we will Connect. Evolve. Transform.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
