I have to tell you that one of the things I love to do is event planning, so I always manage to land on the conference planning team of any group or organization that I become affiliated with. One of the things that we have to do is have a "pre-con" or pre-conference meeting with the hotel staff, usually a day or two before the conference actually begins. I've been part of dozens of these meetings with countless groups, but I have to say that NONE is as fun as the ADDA conference pre-con. Watching the faces of everyone from the hotel general manager to the head of housekeeping as we tell them they should plan for lots of lost room keys, lost tempers, lost articles... and lost people!
Now let's fast-forward to the famous - or infamous - ADDA Talent Show, an annual conference event! There are singers, there are dancers, there are singers AND dancers... there are even really GOOD singers and dancers! There are storytellers and limericks, poets, comedians and actors with skits... we've even had a fire dancer (not real fire of course - the fire marshal objected!). There really are no words to describe the annual ADDA Talent Show - it's an experience that has to be seen!
And now let's fast-forward to conference end... the hugs, the tears, the lifelong friendships made. The awe at realizing you've just spent 3 fabulous days with people who actually "get" you... who didn't look suspiciously because you interrupted a conversation, or talk to you in that slow, "s/he must be crazy" voice as they asked you if you realized you had on one blue shoe and one black - or no shoes at all! The utter sense of belonging after spending time with people who actually MEAN it when they say "I know what you mean," or "that happened to you too?!?!" And the feeling of absolute acceptance and belonging after realizing you've just spent the most exciting, relaxing, exhilarating, calming, enlightening and validating time of your life with sisters and brothers "of the heart".
Now I've gotten myself all excited, just remembering my ADDA conference experiences! I'm sure part of the issue is that it's almost May - the "traditional" time for our annual conference... and after missing a year, my mind, soul and spirit are ready to make those connections again. And yes - the ADDA conference is BACK! Moved to July so we can welcome families (who the heck can find a babysitter for their ADHD kids for 3 or 4 days?!?), educators and students... but still promising the same sense of family and opportunities for feeling "connected" as always.
I hope you all plan to join us July 10-13 in Minneapolis... I can't wait to meet up with all of my long lost siblings again!!
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