Well, I admit to being an extremely biased observer, but here are some of my “keeper” observations from the 2009 confab, followed by comments from the conference attendees.

First, the people who attend I2M truly are “different.” They don’t engage in butt-covering conversations, they are secure enough to be candid and openly discuss what’s working and what’s not, they are willing to challenge each other, think differently, and take prudent risks to move forward (not that I feel strongly about that or anything).

Because Innovate draws proven (over 75% are managers and above) political involvement professionals, the group discussions and Q & A are at a higher level. In the words of several conference participants, the atmosphere is “different than at other conferences.”

We avoid cliques. We don’t believe that we have an obligation to include someone as a practitioner faculty member who doesn’t meet our criteria. We don’t pick our speakers based on who is in the community, who we feel an obligation to ask, etc. (Although many times they fit the criteria!) We base it on a track record and presentation skills. In fact, over 75% of our practitioner speakers are not members of our Advisory Committee.

What did the participants have to say?

“The number one sound-bite that I return to at least once a day came from you regarding PAC fundraising. It was, “Ask for more than what you want; take what you can get.” It’s so simple but so impactful, and I’m applying it everywhere I can. Little things make a big difference, I suppose!”

Micah Intermill
Director of Advocacy
Assisted Living Federation of America

“Steve and I reckoned our Beacon of Hope encounter to something Robert Greenleaf once said and that is “Good leaders must first become good servants”. Every ounce of dirt and every aching muscle was worth it. We felt instant gratification. Faces filled with hope and words of appreciation from the home owners were so rewarding. It was a great bonding experience with the 40 some I2M family members. We both agreed that it is an experience that we will never forget! Thank you for leading the way…..”

Carrie Schneider
Consumers Energy

“I really liked Abby’s session on information management and her tips on helping us to manage all the information that comes our way instead of feeling overwhelmed by e-mail, e-newsletters, and all the other information that comes out way. Her suggestion of “read the best, get rid of the rest” is helpful to me.

Wendy Schrag
Director of Advocacy and State Government Affairs
Fresenius Medical Care

“There is no doubt that Innovate to Motivate is just different than other conferences. And I mean that in the most positive way. There is no comparison.”

Darrcy Loveland
Senior Counsel
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.

“Innovate to Motivate® is not just about how to run better PAC’s and grassroots organizations. For me, the conference is about helping us become better people.”

Patroski Lawson
Director, Government Affairs
Solvay Pharmaceuticals

“We would come out of every session and say, ‘That is the best session of the conference!’ The problem is, that kept happening after every session. It just kept getting better and better.”

Rizza Hermosisima
Director, Public Policy and Advocacy
Centocor-Ortho Biotech, LLC

Airfare to New Orleans……$300
Hotel Stay at Monteleone……$800
Box of beignet mix for the Petsitter……$5
Networking with political involvement peers & faculty at I2M……..PRICELESS