Tchotchkes
Friday, April 2, 2004 – I came home from the New England Meetings Industry Conference and Exposition (NEMICE) last night with 18 business cards in my pocket and almost that many different tchotchkes in my bags, including two chocolate lobster lollipops, a Michael McDonald CD (courtesy of the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau), a battery-powered bubble clock (please, don’t ask), cotton candy for the boys and even a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers for my wife. No, all these trinkets weren’t my booty for speaking at the conference. They were (you guessed it) what I managed to amass for myself in the exhibit hall. I must say, I’ve always enjoyed the trade show experience, but the fun I had at this one surpassed all expectations. From my presentation in the morning to the networking party at The Blackfin Chop House and Raw Bar in the evening, it was all very good. Good people. Good food. Good times.
