During a Webinar... “Does anyone else wonder if these webinar hosts are just reading their slides for the first time, or is it just me?” Tech Troubles During the Event... “I swear I’m going to need a paper agenda because I can’t get this app to open. I’m ready for some magic, Shawn. Or voodoo. But seriously, does anyone actually have any paper?” When the Flight Passes Over Your Final Destination... “How do we normalize skydiving to destinations?” On the Way to the Tradeshow... “I’ve got business casual, comfortable shoes, a backup charger, and enough coffee to fuel a week’s worth of networking. The only thing that could get in my way is if my damn cat doesn’t get out of my suitcase.” OVERHEARD in Associations At the Event Venue... “Black shirt, blue jeans—it’s like our unofficial uniform for this conference.” In the Hotel Lobby at IMEX (conference that takes place in Las Vegas in October when the streets are obstructed for Formula 1 racing prep)... “How do you take the monorail from Paris? Asking for a friend...” 47 These snippets reflect the humor and humanity that make working in associations both challenging and delightful. Keep an ear out for the next edition of “Overheard in Associations,” and who knows? You might just find your own words featured here. Got something hilarious you’ve overheard in your association? Send it our way at [email protected]—we’d love to feature your example in the next edition! During the Early Morning Commute to IMEX... ”Any tips for those coming from Luxor?” ”Find a creative taxi driver.” At the Annual Conference... “I came for the learning sessions, but I stayed for the swag and mediocre hotel breakfast.” Welcome to Overheard in Associations, where we capture the quirks, humor, and candid moments that make association life so unique. Inspired by the popular “Overheard in New York” format, this column is all about those funny, insightful, and sometimes downright bizarre snippets of conversation that happen in our industry every day. From conference calls to networking events, from the office to the annual conference, associations are full of memorable moments that deserve to be shared. We’ve collected some of the best overheard gems, straight from association professionals just like you. Whether it’s a relatable work struggle, an unexpected tech hiccup, or a lighthearted exchange during an event, these snippets show the heart and humor of the association world. Enjoy a little laughter, nod along in agreement, and maybe even see a familiar situation from your own professional life. Networking Event... “Honestly, my introvert limit is three conversations, max. After that, you won’t find me.” Waiting for the Conference Call to StarT... “If one more person says, ‘best practices,’ I’m going to lose it.” “What about ‘exploring synergies’?” “Maybe I should retire.”
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