Pub. 7 2018 Issue 3

7 F a l l | 2018 President’s Message By Steve Yeakel, CAE VACB President & CEO Face-to-Face Meetings – Still the Gold Standard for Quality and Value M E S S A G E While attending major meetings, I also seek to deepen and broaden the human relationships that give our lives meaning and purpose. I ’m writing this quarter’s column from the road. I’m in between business meetings: the annual meeting of my professional society, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and the annual meeting of my fellow community banking executives, the Council of Commu- nity Banking Associations (CCBA). I bought myself a Microsoft Surface at this year’s ICBPAC Auction in March that is perfect for the job Multi-tasking, as we all do, I have my mind on “my” meetings and also on “our” big meet- ing – the upcoming convention in Roanoke. I have left the first of my two meetings entirely re - focused and assured of the unquestionable value of the face-to-face meeting as the premier tool for professional development. As Katharine, Kelli and I work with our board and convention committee to promote the Roanoke convention, we do so with the confidence that attendees will experience the combination of a strong business agenda and a variety of enjoyable events. These are the key components of an event of lasting value. I look for the same components in the meetings I attend. I go seeking education and informa- tion. I want to know where I stand regarding current trends and I want to hear someone give me a reasoned guess at the future of my profession. I want the ability to interact with speakers and vendors, especially in technology. I certainly found that at my ASAE meeting - twenty “contact hours” in just three days. Similarly, great education and information awaits those who come to Roanoke for the VACB Convention. While attending major meetings, I also seek to deepen and broaden the human relationships that give our lives meaning and purpose. I value “peer exchange” to compare my situation with that of those I respect. I also enjoy the chance to “savor the moment,” to share the joy of persever- ance and resilience with “fellow laborers in the vineyards.” And I just enjoy the chance to have some fun with fun people! Similarly, the VACB Convention provides numerous opportunities to gather with longtime friends and make some new ones, to share and to laugh. Webinars and conference calls have their place, but numerous surveys will confirm that noth - ing compares with the value of a quality face-to-face meeting. I would greatly enjoy seeing your face in Roanoke, and so would your friends!