Get Your “F2F” on at the Proposal Fair! 

By Jen Borucki

One of the great things about APMP GMC membership is the focus our chapter puts on individual growth and development. There are so many opportunities for us to step out of our comfort zones and try something new. But sometimes, to move a step forward, we must take a quick look in the rear view mirror.  

In a post COVID-19 world, many of us have spent a few years learning new ways to connect virtually. The benefits have been great. Remote work, virtual meetings, and digital innovations have made a big world a lot smaller. In the process, though, we’ve lost a bit of the human touch. 

As the busy convention season resumes, perhaps it’s time to go back to basics and seek out live interaction and networking opportunities. Build a business case to venture out, learn new things, meet new people, and influence the trajectory of our careers.  

Don’t get me wrong. APMP continues to offer some great virtual engagements including the Women’s Virtual Summit last month and the Capture & Business Development Conference coming up in November. Can’t say enough good things about those events. 

But if you’re looking for something old that’s suddenly new again, why not venture out to the heart of the Midwest for our APMP GMC Proposal Fair? This event is coming to St. Paul in mid-October. It will feature great speakers and professional development tracks alongside themed food, games, and networking opportunities in an environment reminiscent of the state fairs that many of us have loved since childhood.  

Benefits you will enjoy by saying yes to the GMC Proposal Fair: 

• Be part of the action and experience all the GMC Proposal Fair has to offer. Although virtual event organizers go to great lengths to make their attendees feel included, there is nothing better than real-world interaction. 
• Let time be on your side. While virtual events have made the world smaller for many conference attendees, a myriad of time zones aren’t easy to navigate. No need to watch multiple clocks at the GMC Proposal Fair. 
• Nothing beats face-to-face engagement to create great networking outcomes. Over 90% of our communication is nonverbal, and that element doesn’t translate well in virtual communication. At the GMC Proposal Fair, you will have the opportunity to share ideas and interests in the perfect environment for peer-to-peer sharing. What a great way to get to know someone who may influence your trajectory… wherever your career takes you. 
• Best environment for speakers to excel. Experienced communicators adapt their timing and message to their audience – which is hard when your “room” is filled with muted faces on screens. At the GMC Proposal Fair, a great slate of speakers will be feeding off body language and other verbal and nonverbal cues to keep you engaged in the material. 

Now is the perfect time to sign up as an attendee or even to expand your comfort zone as one of our distinguished speakers. The call for speakers is open until August 31 and registrations will be accepted throughout the event. To learn more, visit www.apmpgmc.org/symposium. 

About the Author 

In addition to supporting her team at PDS Tech Commercial, Inc., Jen is an entrepreneur who solves a broad range of business and marketing needs via traditional, digital, and social media. She is currently preparing for her APMP Foundation Certification. Jen is an active member of the Marketing Communications Committee for APMP GMC.