I was lucky enough to be able to attend the APCO International Conference and Exposition this year while on vacation. (My own time; my own dime. Several of them, as a matter of fact.....) Since I wasn't attending as a representative of my agency, I geared my activities toward meeting other Communications folks I'd met on the Internet.
As an APCO member, I made sure to be present for the opening luncheon, the Route 66 Party, both General Business meetings, a few vendor receptions including MANAPCO Night and the closing Banquet. Of course, I also attended several seminars and even purchased quite a few audio tapes of presentations I wasn't able to attend. And I took a LOT of pictures.
First, let me mention that membership in APCO is NOT "just for management" personnel. I joined as a dispatcher in 1986 and have been a member ever since. I've only made it to two Annual Conferences, but I have been able to attend several Regional Conferences and a slew of monthly meetings.
However, the annual conferences are absolutely wonderful. Let me share with you some of my recollections.