38 Meetings, One Cat, and an Unstoppable Drive Toward the 2024 APA Conference

Over the past two weeks, the team at the Accounts Payable Association has been working non-stop to prepare for our upcoming conference on October 15th. It’s been a whirlwind of activity, with a total of 38 meetings packed with brainstorming sessions, strategy discussions, logistics planning, and endless cups of coffee. What’s gotten me through it all? Well, I’ve had a one-of-a-kind companion by my side: Squidward.

Squidward isn't your average team member but has been an integral part of the journey. This 11-year-old feline has been my steadfast colleague in every single meeting without fail, bringing light-heartedness to our serious planning sessions.

Taking care of Squidward alone for the past 10 months has been both a responsibility and a joy. It's amazing how much comfort and companionship pets can provide, even during back-to-back calls as we gear up for big events.

As we count down the days to October 15th, (19 days) I am buzzing with excitement over all that Rebecca Dwyer has brewing behind the scenes. The dedication shown by Kat Moy, APAM Carly Cuthbert Jamie Radford Kostas George Nichols LLB (Hons.) Bryony Saletes and promises an event that will be both inspiring and transformative.

We have an incredible lineup of speakers who will share their expertise and insights, interactive workshops that will engage and challenge attendees, and networking opportunities that will foster meaningful connections. The conference promises to be a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and collaboration, all leading up to a glitzy and glamorous award ceremony that will be the cherry on top of this fantastic event!

For those who haven’t yet seen Squidward in action—imagine this: as strategies are devised and roles assigned, there lies Squidward atop my bookshelf amidst literary classics and lush greenery—a silent guardian overseeing our progress.

I cannot wait to unveil all that we’ve been working on at the conference; it’s going to be extraordinary! Until then, let’s keep pushing forward—with or without feline supervision—and make this event one for the books!