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CAMEX Through the Eyes of the New Guy
03/07/08
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dan Pender was hired in January as editor of Campus Marketplace and recently attended his first CAMEX.
I've been living out of a suitcase for four days. My feet hurt. I've got a headache and my wallet's empty. Yep, I've just returned from CAMEX 2008.
When I was hired in January as editor of Campus Marketplace, everyone was talking about this CAMEX thing. I just tried to look like I knew what they were talking about and kept on doing my work on Campus Marketplace each week. I thought, how tough could it be? NACS is going to fly me to a warm-weather city in the middle of winter and put me up in a hotel for a few nights. Then, as CAMEX got closer, the stories started taking on a much clearer image. This was not going to be a vacation of any sort. I would actually have to work, or was it walk. And walk and walk?
Being a newbie, I wasn't really sure what to expect from my first CAMEX. I just heard all the warnings about wearing comfortable shoes and encouragement about helping other staff whenever you could in order to provide NACS members with the best possible experience. I know everyone at NACS went the extra mile to make CAMEX 2008 one to remember. Did I mention the warnings about wearing comfortable shoes? It's pretty important!
I managed to survive sleeping in a strange bed and eating out for four consecutive nights. OK, so the eating out part's not so bad. But, please, no more Mexican food. And I really don't want to see another airport in the near future. The long delays and transportation carts on a mission to run you down as you wander in search of your flight connection are enough to drive anyone crazy. As for the actual flights to and from San Antonio, let's not even go there. I also survived long days spent covering educational sessions and helping out other staff.
I managed being away from my wife and children for the first time for more than one night, and didn't even end up underwater on the Riverwalk, despite the efforts of some big crowds on very narrow walkways—and I still have trouble comprehending this—without railings. I mean, come on. There have to have been some unfortunate mishaps because of that missed logic in planning.
It may not have been the most leisurely way to spend my first visit to San Antonio, but it was an educational experience nevertheless.
I'm sure many store attendees had similar feelings and experiences.
Although I don't have the benefit of comparison, it appeared to me the annual meeting and trade show went well. The educational sessions, at least the ones I attended, were full of information and presented well. Tony Ellis, CAE, director of education, and his staff went above and beyond to provide members with information they could use to better themselves and their businesses.
The Opening Night Fiesta provided the chance for great food and lots of entertainment. Members had their choice of numerous gaming opportunities courtesy of the NACS Foundation, and a chance to gather in a large setting with friends, co-workers, and fellow colleagues.
And if you missed Lee Woodruff's presentation, you missed one heck of a story. She took the reins from husband Bob Woodruff, who was too sick to attend, and led us through a devastating and emotional journey in her life. It had big fellas crying in the audience (yeah, I saw you) and quickly turning to laughter with her lighthearted delivery.
The trade show floor was overwhelming to say the least. I had no idea how large this event really was. And looking down on Saturday on that show floor, who could imagine that it would be done in time for Sunday? Certainly not me, but once again, vendors, staff, volunteers, and convention personnel were able to pull it off. It was quite impressive.
I did have the chance to talk to several members during my time in San Antonio. I just wish I could have met many more of you. Now that it is all said and done and I reintroduced myself to my wife and kids (I know it was only a couple days, but it was my first time away from them in eight years, so cut me some slack), I have to say I enjoyed the CAMEX experience and look forward to CAMEX 2009, even if it does fall on St. Patrick's Day. Did I mention I'm Irish? Didn't anyone think about having it in Boston? Oh well. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Anaheim.
—Dan Pender
Sound Off!
Ashley Mabe (amabe@me.vccs.edu) 3/12/2008 10:08:29 AM
I HAD A BLAST!!!!! It was my 1st time going, & I hope there are many more to come!!!!!!!!!!
Sheila Hileman (sae9e@uvawise.edu) 3/10/2008 9:43:31 AM
San Antonio was the best Camex I've attended and this was my 6 trips.
Sound Off!
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