Salutations de Montréal!

This week, we’re headed to Montreal and the Leadership Academy, our annual gathering of chapter leaders from around the world.

The Academy is one of my favorite AFP experiences because it’s a great opportunity to talk with our senior volunteers in a more relaxed atmosphere, away from the pressure of our constant work flow and daily deadlines. The diverse perspectives, the give and take, the informal discussions that take place outside the meetings and sessions—these are the real strengths of the Academy and where ideas are spread and relationships get built.

This year, the theme for the Academy is communication, and it couldn’t be more timely. With so many organizations trying to speak at the same time, how do we differentiate ourselves and ensure our messages are heard? What’s the best way to connect with people? And in challenging economic times and reduced budgets, how do we best communicate the AFP value proposition and the reasons for becoming (and staying) an AFP member?

These are questions that need to be continuously asked and answered as society and our environments change. We won’t find all the answers in Montreal, but I have no doubt we’ll generate some solid and innovative ideas that will guide our path in the future.

I’ll provide a complete update and give you my perspective about how the Academy went next week. And if you’re attending this year’s Academy and reading this, feel free to comment on how you think it’s going (and tweet using hashtag #afpmeet)!