The Old Normal

Walking through the doors at the Orange County Convention Center the air condition provides a welcome relief from the scorching Florida heat. As you enter the exhibition area you’re almost overwhelmed by the ear deafening hustle and bustle. The displays from the big global consulting companies are grand to behold and as you make your way further into the maze of nieche player stands you are tempted to swipe up a pair of blinking sun shades or a bright coloured tote bag.

You grab a coffee while you listen to a 20-minute corner address before heading to one of the larger theaters. You frantically search the event-app for your next session only to realize it is at the other side of the venue and you grab a seat at something a little closer. You make page after page of notes on topics you want to follow up later and at the end of the day you have significantly extended your LinkedIn network.

Well at least this is the way it used to be.

This year maybe you gather your colleagues in airy conference rooms with an even larger number joining over Teams or Zoom. You might choose to play the best of Sting over the video conference system and run through a series of warm-up topics to get you in the mood for the 5pm Keynote! You are creating a community happening for the many out of something that has historically been reserved for the few.

You accept the new normal and make the best of it.

No matter how you cope with the situation remember to tune in to the SAPPHIRE NOW REIMAGINED online event this coming Monday June 15th.