In recent months, a moment with my youngest son has stayed with me, reminding me of the power of brief, fleeting experiences. I played the cello through college, and was fortunate to travel across Europe performing in churches and concert halls. In recent years, I’ve begun playing again, inspired by my youngest son who discovered a passion for the cello at age seven. After a lesson one Thursday, he asked me if we might go hear Yo-Yo Ma perform live. I found the request charmingly naive; after all, the odds that a legendary musician like Ma was still touring, let alone performing within reach, seemed slim. Yet, to my surprise, a quick search revealed he would be appearing that very weekend, just four hours away in Chicago. I secured seats in the uppermost balcony and, on a Saturday morning, we set out. My son fell asleep midway through the concert’s first number, yet the experience felt complete, well worth every mile, every dollar, every moment.

Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of the intensity of our association’s own investment in creating experiences that, though brief, resonate well beyond their duration. The Tilt-Up Convention and Expo is one of our most focused endeavors, and its impact is felt in the myriad details that comprise it. Our sponsors invest generously; exhibitors commit significant resources to developing displays; local hosts dedicate countless hours; and professionals from around the world travel to share just a few short days in a whirlwind of learning and connection.

It is these concentrated experiences—the brief conversations, the meals together, the quiet exchanges between sessions—that provide lasting value, enhancing our collective knowledge and strengthening our community. Much like that unexpected concert experience, these shared moments, though seemingly ephemeral, enrich our industry and propel us forward. Here’s to making the most of every moment, both big and small, as we continue to build together.