NAMPI 2022 Annual Conference

Kelly Bennett; NAMPI President (FL)

Hi everyone, this is Kelly from Florida. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have NAMPI 2022 just a couple of weeks away now. Although from the perspective of my NAMPI Board role (remember I had just gotten elected as VP when the President retired from state service; so I was suddenly the President without the typical two years of being VP – so this is my first conference where I really have had to pay attention to the things we are doing (In the past others handled things and I just gave them my opinion from time to time)) it’s a bit daunting – maybe terrifying that it’s just a couple weeks away.

For one thing, right before the pandemic (really, I think January 2020), I decided to bite the bullet and pay the fee (out of pocket) for TSA pre-check because I traveled so much I thought it would be good. Well, needless to say, it has done me little good so far – I was on a plane only once since then and it was with my family so I didn’t take advantage of the pre-check line (so as to not abandon the family in the big long regular line). And, if you didn’t know this about me, I am kind of cheap so am not happy to have spent the money and not have had the chance to get my money’s worth. So I am super excited about whatever being pre-check means (I have forgotten now, and now not having to remove my shoes doesn’t really seem all that big of a deal).

I can’t say that I am looking forward to great crab cakes (because I’m not too fond of seafood of any nature) but I am looking forward to some of the networking events that we have where someone else will do the cooking (I know so many t.v. ads early on during the PHE seemed to glamorize the “togetherness” we all experienced – but I am sick of the togetherness of just my family and am looking forward to getting together with you guys)! That, and I still haven’t baked any bread – what was up with that? Although the other day I was thinking I should dig my bread maker out of the cupboard (remember when those were all the rage) and see if it even works anymore. Not because I wanted to bake bread so much as was in the mood for spring cleaning!

Although I am not terribly excited about logistics, I am pleased to be planning ahead (leaving earlier than I probably need to head north, going to try to arrive early) and preparing to be patient at the airport – and have a backup plan to drive if need be.

Some logistics I am excited about is that I can’t wait to see the space where we will meet for several days. I know the hotel is fabulous and the location is ideal.

Maybe to some, the most important planning I have been doing is to figure out what I am planning to cook and how I will make that happen. Our partners at ARB (our conference planners – and so much more) have been speaking with the hotel’s chef about getting me access to the kitchen and I am planning to do some prep ahead of time and bring things with me. It will seem so luxurious to cook without being confined to my office. [To the FL MPI crew, maybe I will need to practice before the conference … If not, someone remind me to do some cooking for you all soon.]

Most importantly, I can’t wait to see you all!