PPB September 2021

Iconography - Videography / Shutterstock.com For the second consecutive year, the Leadership Development Workshop (LDW), hosted by PPAI and the Regional Association Council (RAC), brought regional association leadership together virtually on July 21-22 for comprehensive education and networking. LDW is in its 22nd year and despite its temporary shift to a virtual format, continues to support regional leaders and foster relationships among regional associations. “As we wrapped up two days of virtual LDW2021, we could not be happier with how the event ran,” says RAC President Rena Ashfeld, CAS. “PPAI and RAC volunteers came together to put on year two of LDWat home and it turned out terrific. The speakers were phenomenal, and our breakout sessions were filled with somuch knowledge packed into each session. And to top it all off, there was karaoke! We feel that everyone was pleased with the event. We all agree that we look forward to an in-person event for 2022 so that we can all see each other and hug and raise a glass at Bonnie & Clyde’s.” On opening day, LDW sessions ran from 1:30 – 4 pmCT, before ending with a virtual karaoke networking event. After the workshop’s opening remarks, Ashfeld joined PPAI Interim President Bob McLean, CAE, for a “fireside chat”—Ashfeld noted that she’d lit a candle on her desk to keep the session title legit—that examined the state of the Association and the industry, what the trade show landscape looks like now and what can be expected for the in-person PPAI Expo 2022. LDW’s first day also included an education session and keynote presentation. Nikki Haton Shanks, MBA, CAE, a strategist for Association Laboratory, in her session, “Is Content Strategy Replacing Membership Strategy for the Association?” spoke on five forces driving the future— COVID-19 hangover, behavior changes, economic disruption, workforce realignment and technological interconnectedness—and how they will influence associations’ decision making. Mark J. Lindquist’s keynote proved that a Zoom presentation can also mean “high energy.” Lindquist shared his story, including how he was adopted from South Korea and grew up in Minnesota, and how the right attitude and mindset took him to the U.S. Air Force, to roles in TV shows and movies, and performing live for more than three million people in 22 countries. “I came into the virtual LDW to gain some new ideas on programs and professional development,” says KimReinecker, MAS, regional LDWBrings Regional Community Together For Another Year Of Vital Connections 102 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | CONNECT