NAPO-logo-rgbThis year the national conference for our industry was held in Phoenix, Arizona. As a professional organizer, I usually work one-on-one with clients. Therefore, I don’t commonly interact with other professional organizers on a regular basis. To be amongst so many talented, intelligent and like-minded professionals from all over the United States and even from abroad, to learn, interact and exchange ideas with was just very uplifting and enjoyable, and always educational. Professional Organizers are a caring group of people with so many talents and specialties. For me, this interaction is one of the best things about the convention each year. I learn from and admire so many people in this industry from all over the country.

Several of my educational classes were superb. A course given by Dr. Ari Tuckman addressed the negative mindsets that clients may develop and presented strategies for dealing with those, so they can make progress in their organizational challenges. Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D gave a truly interesting and helpful course for working with clients with ADHD &/or OCD. There were classes on being an authentic leader, clearing mental clutter, creating home and business inventories, finding digital sanity, marketing ideas and so much more. The exhibitor hall provided an opportunity for seeing new and existing products from companies like Smeade, Neat Receipts, Closet Maid, Pro-Slats, Gladiator, Monkey Bars and many other companies near and dear to an organizers’ heart and business.

The final thing that I enjoyed was spending a few extra days in Arizona after the close of the conference. I spent much of my childhood growing up in northern Arizona. It had been over 25 years since I had last visited there. I visited the home where I grew up, took a lot of very scenic drives, saw Indian ruins, the Petrified Forest and even took a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. I also visited some elderly relatives I had not seen in many years. I have to say the convention taught me a lot and the days after renewed my spirit to get back to working with the many great clients that I see every day. What a wonderful thing to love what you do and work with so many wonderful and interesting people both as clients and colleagues. How blessed I am.