Dear IACC Americas Community –

My message to today is simple, Thank You. In fact, it is several Thank You’s;

THANK YOU for being an incredible community during a time where we have all taken heart from what we have seen other IACC members around the world doing to adapt today, and the empathy, sprit and heart interwoven into these actions.

THANK YOU to those who have chosen not to take the obvious path in front of them, to hunker down, but to instead step up and give their views and advice to others. Especially via the IACC online virtual presenter led discussions that have taken place over the last two weeks. I would like make a special mention to Cindy Novotny of Master Connection Associates for her series of highly inspirational weekly IACC sessions. The huge numbers of IACC members and friends of IACC joining these has been incredible. We know we are not in control of what is happening in the world around us and reminding us of the strength in our power on how we approach our days is inspiring.

THANK YOU to those who continue to look to the future, seeking to define reality and foresee how the meetings industry might look when our doors re-open. It is difficult with today’s pressures, to look forward with no past similar events in which to compare. You are all true leaders and I am confident IACC venues will remain truly pioneering businesses tomorrow.

THANK YOU for putting your staff and colleagues first. I have heard so many wonderful stories of you supporting your teams and as a result, protecting our industry for the rebound.

THANK YOU to all of you who have creatively taken your social efforts to new higher levels. IACC members were connected with our communities before this and are now giving even more, at a time when you have less yourself.  These connections will define us all on the other side!

THANK YOU for putting the health and safety of yourself, your family and colleagues first in your personal life, by making the physical distancing sacrifices you undoubtably are to protect those most at risk. IACC people are social animals, it’s in our DNA. When we come together again, in person, we will celebrate as one giant global family!

I’ll sign off with the lyrics to a song that makes me smile. The Pointer Sisters, We Are Family… This song’s words perhaps have more relevance today; 

No, we don’t get depressed.
Here’s what we call our golden rule,
Have faith in you and the things that you do.
You won’t go wrong, oh no
This is our family jewel…

Yours sincerely,

Nancy Lindemer
IACC Americas Chapter President
Rizzo Center