See you in Indy?

     There have been some very animated discussions on twitter in the past week or so regarding the Athletic Training profession.  It certainly has been interesting to follow and in some cases participate. As productive as these sessions can be in stimulating discussion, they can only take us so far.  These discussions need to be more in depth, involve more people, and be constructive.  They need to be open minded and productive.  If only there was an opportunity for many of us to be in the same place at the same time, face to face.  Imagine how productive we could be.  This would be even better if we were able to get the many leaders and decision makers in the profession to join us.  We could get the most up do date information on the subjects that matter most to us.  We could voice our opinions to them knowing that we have a forum to be heard.
     So yeah....this already exists.  #NATA2014 is coming up in Indianapolis June 25th-28th.  Its an opportunity to learn, network, and grow as a professional.  Its an opportunity to be heard, to listen, to congregate and discuss.  The question is, will you take advantage of it?  Like many of us, I can't attend nearly as often as I would like.  Sometimes my work schedule doesn't cooperate, sometimes my family life doesn't cooperate, sometimes my wallet doesn't cooperate.  This year, I'm in.
   I have a number of goals when I am able to attend.  One goal is I hope to learn a few new things.  I want to come home with some new information.  I also like to review and refresh some things I haven't seen or thought about in a while.  I love to network.  I enjoy catching up with old friends and colleagues that I haven't seen in a while, and look forward to making some new friends and acquaintances I can utilize to help me grow as a professional.
    For those that are attending, what are your goals?  What do you hope to do in Indianapolis?   Do you make the most of this opportunity?  Will you make an effort to learn?  Will you make an effort to network?  Will you use the opportunity to have your voice be heard on subjects that matter to you?  Professional development is the key to the growth of our profession and each of us as professionals.  This meeting is a great chance for us to do so.

    Here are some suggestions for #NATA2014:

• Leave the negativity and anger at home.  Instead bring passion and drive.
• If your a Young Professional utilize the resources, wisdom, and experience of some of the veterans to help guide you.  Reach out to them and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation.
• If your a veteran AT reach out to the Young Professionals in attendance.  Start up a conversation.  You can certainly provide them with some guidance, and they can certainly give you some insight into what its like just getting started in our profession.    
•  Keep an open mind and be open to change.

     For those unable to make it to Indy, perhaps you can keep connected through social media.  Now more than ever you can have a presence without even being there.  Its also never to early to start planning to make the trip next year.
     To those that will be joining us in Indy, I hope you make the most out of the trip, and that our paths cross.  This is an amazing profession full of wonderful people.  Whenever I make it to Convention I always leave refreshed, recharged and excited for the future.  I hope you do too.

#AT4EVER
#AT4ALL

Todd