Happy end of January! I always feel like this month lasts forever—it’s so dark, it’s freezing out, and at least here in Kansas City, the snow will NOT stop! This January I was able to travel to (also cold) Chicago for the 2020 Leadership Forum, and I wanted to share a little about my experience there.
Each January, leaders from Coordinating Bodies/Local Networking Groups and Communities of Interest gather to network and share best practices to grow relationship databases and help promote activities, events, and membership throughout the year. I got to hear about the vision, strategic plan, and rebranding of AADE directly from President Kellie Antinori-Lent and CEO Chuck Macfarlane. If you haven’t heard, we are now ADCES (Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists)! I also got to hear directly from the consultant firms who helped develop this new name and brand for the future of the specialty. What an exciting time to be a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist!
I learned about website enhancements that will be coming soon, so keep an eye out for some changes. I also heard from other CBs/LNGs and COIs about unique events and member activities, some of which I hope we can implement with the Missouri CB.
Overall, the opportunity to network with other leaders from around the country was very informative and rewarding! I am already making plans to go back next year. If you’ve never had a dance party in the middle of the day choreographed by ADCES President Kellie Antinori-Lent, you haven’t lived. And it doesn’t hurt that the food (Chicago style pizza) was fabulous as well!