I like to tell people that my National Board journey really got going at SRC in Dallas in 2008. My term as Chapter Delegate began in September, 2007 and I spent the first couple of months trying to figure out what to do with it. Donna Corlew was President then and her charge was to connect with the chapters, help them grow and be stronger. Carolyn Ferguson was the in the Chapter Delegate role before me and she reassured me that it would all “make sense once I got to Southern.” So, I registered for the conference and booked my flight to the Big D. I had no idea.

As I was landing, the text messages started flying from my friends Brad Thurman and Doug Parker. I think that SRC had something like four happy hours to kick it off that year. (I could be embellishing my memory a little, but it was more than a couple.) I found my way to the hotel and was greeted with Texas-sized southern hospitality. Over next few hours, I met dozens of people and expanded my network to include some of my most valuable contacts to date. At SRC, you don’t just meet people, you connect. You laugh hardy belly laughs, you hug people you meet for the first time because they are friends of your friends, you got to know people Facebook style – even before Facebook was huge.

Last year I walked in a little late to SRC in Houston, something to do with traffic, and was greeted with a room full of people shouting “Frank!!!” as if it was the set of “Cheers” and my name was Norm. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world, like coming home. Thanks to three years of SRC, I have a family of incredible, smart, and talented marketing and business development professional in Texas, Oklahoma and Southeast Louisiana. I can point to project wins and teaming partners for my firm that started in those three short years. I have pages of notes and implemented practices from awesome keynote sessions and outstanding session presentations. But most cherished of all, I have wonderful memories (and a few good pictures, so watch out) that make me very proud to be a part of SMPS and a part of the Southern Regional Conference.

Frank Lippert, FSMPS, CPSM is the business development and marketing manager at David Evans and Associates Inc. in Portland, Oregon. He currently serving as President of the SMPS National Board. He has been an active member of SMPS since 1996.

What do you get out of a Southern Regional Conference (SRC) experience? “Each SRC experience provides me with a ‘jolt’ of energy to take back to the office.  I always take back valuable information that helps my office (and me) be more focused, of value, and successful with the challenges ahead.”

My first conference I…“Was blown away with the quality of the educational content, the professionals I met, and the personal feeling of motivation I received afterwards.”

Imagine the Connections! “Each connect from an SRC event becomes not just another name in the database but a potential valuable mentor, peer, client and friend.  Where else can I go and get something like that?”

Keynotes that will blow your mind!!! “I am still using the information I took away with me from the very first SRC.  They are always relevant, and targeted to helping me do what I must do to thrive (and survive) in this crazy marketplace we find ourselves in.  For many others I have met in the audience, the keynotes provide the motivation and drive that keeps they doing the best they can for their companies.”

Memories of the First SRC. “Snapshot memories are:  Collaboration, sharing, fun, networking, meeting new professionals, taking back with me to the office a ton of resources, the excitement, fun, enhancing my personal abilities…and did I mention the fun?”

I was invited to speak at the SMPS Southern Regional Conference held last February in Houston, TX.  I have been fortunate to attend many regional conferences over the years and have enjoyed each one, so I jumped at the opportunity.

The 2011 Southern Conference was one of the best regional conferences I’ve  attended, and not just because I was a presenter.  It was great because of the diversity of presenters and topics that were offered.  From the keynote speaker, who challenged attendees to differentiate our organizations from our competitors by selling true client value, to sessions on networking, writing skill development, and economics for marketers; the conference had something for everyone.

For me, attending the Southern Regional Conference was about finding perspective.  It was about seeing the world from a new lens and sensing new and exciting opportunities  that can enhance my way of thinking and contribute to the success of my company.  I achieved that goal and made some new friends in the process.  I hope to see you in San Antonio, Texas, in 2012!

- Craig Galati

Craig is a principal and President of Lucchesi Galati, a Las Vegas consulting firm specializing in the  disciplines of sustainability, architecture and sociology.  An accomplished speaker and author, his new book, “Business From the Heart,” is available HERE.