The ElevateAEC Conference in Tampa energized attendees, fostered invaluable connections, and showcased industry potential and success.
Late last month, I got to go to Zweig Group’s annual ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala in Tampa. It was very well-attended and the first conference I had been to in probably five years – and it was great to be back.
Here are a few of my thoughts and observations on the event:
- The energy of the attendees, and the energy of the whole event is infectious. It’s really something when you put hundreds of optimistic winners from one industry in a room together. It really changes your whole attitude and perspective on what is possible. That’s what we had at ElevateAEC. And that isn’t the way I feel at most industry gatherings, too often full of complaining and negativity that sucks my energy versus increasing it.
- The connections between attendees made (and remade) are invaluable. I overheard a number of conversations about potential combinations of two or more firms by the CEOs/founders there. That is really cool. Where else can you witness that? One firm there had acquired 20-something companies. The possibilities that can come out of these conversations are exciting. I also reconnected with some of my old friends at the event and one even drafted me back to their BOD.
- The sponsors and exhibitors I spoke with all recognized the energy and potential of the group. Each of them I talked to were surprised at how engaged the attendees were and how interested they were in what the sponsor was doing for the industry to help it out. That was a really good feeling as we want sponsors to feel their time and monetary investment to do something like this is worth it. From my own experience, that isn’t always the case!
- I was incredibly proud of the entire job done by my successors. The programming, the venue, the food, the AV, and the lighting were spectacular, and on a level unlike any conference for this industry I have ever attended. I had zero involvement in planning this thing and they did an amazing job that made me very proud.
In short, instead of leaving the event deflated and worried about everything I missed back home while I was there, I left feeling invigorated and reengaged with this amazing industry I have spent my entire career working in.
Next year, the whole event is going to be held on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. I encourage you to bring as many people as you want to be as inspired and energized as possible. It will be well worth it!
Mark Zweig is Zweig Group’s chairman and founder. Contact him at mzweig@zweiggroup.com.
