I'm looking forward to this year's PSGA Annual Conference (Friday, October 16th). One reason is to hear Norm Rice's opening remarks. 

But most of all is to hear and, I hope learn, from all of you. In turn, I hope you look forward to the conference as a chance to learn from those who are struggling with the same issues and concerns that you struggle with. 

Yes, the people at the front of the are important--especially yours truly at 9:15 a.m.-- but I find that many of the best teachable moments result from the questions you ask, both during the presentations and during the breaks.

One session I noticed, and hope to drop in on, takes place during the 10:30 to 11:30 time frame. It's called, Making Persuasive Presentations.  It's based upon one key observation that we sometimes forget: not all of our work in in writing. 

People often ask me what I want to see at a site visit. I usually don't say this, because it seems obvious, but what really impresses me is when I hear a concise and compelling oral presentation on what the organization does, who it helps, and how clients benefit. 

I admit, I may not have closely read all the past 16 PSGA conference agendas. But it seems to me that this may be the first session of its kind, and given the challenging giving environment, it is well-timed addition to the agenda.

I plan to stay for lunch since it's structured as networking time. I can't think of a better way to hear more about what you and your organizations are facing. We get so little unstructured time together that I think we need to take full advantage of those opportunities.