Looking Forward to 2021: Remarks from the Incoming IAMC Chair
Incoming Remarks from Jennifer Roth, Chair 2020-2021, Delivered at IAMC's Annual Business Meeting
I’d like to reiterate Colleen’s sentiments, wishing you and your families the very best—for your health and safety.
That said, I am incredibly honored to assume the role of chair for the Fall 2020 to Fall 2021 term. I know that I am stepping into some big shoes and launching from a strong position thanks to the hard work and visionary leadership of IAMC’s remarkable roster of past chairs.
As Colleen said, 2020 has been an unprecedented year that required agility, creativity and flexibility. And, I am very proud of the work we have done across the board.
We enter in 2021 with hope - but still without certainty - that we will be able to meet face-to-face and resume a more traditional IAMC experience.
However, while 2020 was a trial by fire, we enter into 2021 more experienced and better prepared to work through and around the current realities of a world in the midst of a pandemic.
With hope and optimism, have a full schedule of in-person events on the calendar – from Forums in Fort Worth, London and Kansas City to Local and International events across the US, the UK and Latin America. We also have a robust slate of webinars planned.
At the same time, with an abundance of caution, we remain prepared to transition any and all events to virtual or even hybrid should the pandemic require it. In fact, we have planned three budgets for 2021 to account for all of those possibilities.
While I do not know what 2021 will bring, what I do know is that we are better prepared today than we were yesterday. IAMC is strong and resilient and able to handle any challenges that may come our way.
Our professional staff is dedicated to excellence, our leadership is resolute, our sponsors are steadfast, and our members are engaged and supportive partners. I cannot think of a better foundation.
In short, IAMC is not just surviving; IAMC is thriving.
That said, today, I call upon all of you to help us in this brave new world. We as an association must continue to adapt and grow. We will remain loyal to our culture and values, but we must also be flexible in our vision of the future. And, we need your active involvement and participation to inform, guide and shape IAMC as we grow into these new realities of a Covid-19 and – eventually – a post-Covid-19 world.
2020 was indeed a turning point for growth in our organization. 2021 will be the year we launched from this peak position to surpass all expectations.
Stay safe, stay well, and I look forward to seeing you all soon!