With budget cuts in my organization, I'll attend only one conference this year, and the Innovation Network's Convergence is it!
At last year's conference, the conversations with fellow attendees, whether in sessions, at lunch or while browsing in the great bookstore, were as powerfully stimulating as the presentations. Lots of conferences deliver great content that I write up in a report and file
away, but not all of them provide the opportunity to recharge one's batteries the way Convergence does.
It's a truly unique environment that stimulates and sustains me as I go about my job selling innovation within my organization. I've used tapes from some of the Convergence keynote presentations to stimulate discussion within my organization. And, even when they say 'no' to some new idea, my management doesn't want me to stop provoking thought. Convergence provides that vital spark to help me think of a new
approach. Lots of other people at the conference told me the same thing: they learned things that would benefit their companies, but the experience of attending Convergence benefitted them personally. It's a unique combination of practical business applications, personal exploration and just plain fun.
One tip for new attendees is to schedule a few extra days after the conference to give yourselves a chance to let all the information filter in while enjoying the beautiful resorts where Convergence is held each year. I brought my family, too, and they had a great time getting browned by the sun while I got charged up.
--Jim Dooley, Employee Training Administrator, State Auto Insurance Companies
As a chemist in management in a conservative pharmaceutical company, I've favored chemistry or industry-related meetings and conferences. I attended Convergence the first time in an attempt to open new windows of thinking & possibility. I've returned every year since then because the experience has provided paradigm-busting exposure to people, topics and experiences which have helped me to innovate as a manager.
--Greg Furrow, Quality Assurance Manager, Eli Lilly and Company
Convergence was an extraordinary event in my life. The people,
the place, the information exchange and knowledge-sharing were all excellent.
I'll never forget the excitement and fulfillment I felt when RJR R&D
was presented the inaugural George Land World Class Innovator Award!
I'm ready and waiting for Convergence 96!
-- Tom Perfetti, RJ Reynolds R&D
One of the things I liked best about the conference was that it
reinforced my belief that there is a lot of human potential that is
being wasted by standard management practices. The practical sessions
gave me lots of ideas for improving our productivity and innovativeness.
The people I met were absolutely terrific.
-- Paul Golus, Co-founder, Quadron Services Corporation
I can't believe how much I've been able to use the information
I got from the conference. It was a life changing event.
-- Suzanne Chilton, Senior Process Specialist, Peabody Holding
Co.
Just the best conference ever!
-- Denys Laurence, International Management Trust, Monaco
I am heartily recommending this conference to my colleagues for
next year.
-- Angela Just, Lucent Technologies
The best kept secret in corporate America!
-- Loren Miller, LCM Consultants, Inc.
The conference was absolutely the best I've ever attended in terms
of great take-home ideas and of exhilarating FUN!
-- Laurie Dunnavant, Product Analyst Manager, 3M Health Information
Systems
The vast amount of leading edge information on innovation I received
in just three fast-paced days will help us continue to grow well into
the 21st century.
-- Rick Gutherie, Manager, Ford MP&L Learning Organization Center