This was my ninth year helping to administer the ICCFA Wide World of Sales Conference, and all too often it goes by in a whirl of activity for me. Usually it's not until I get home and go through my photos that I can appreciate the event.

This year, though, thanks to a fantastic on-site staff, a crack A/V team and two highly effectual program co-chairs, I was able to actually enjoy myself in the moment. Some of my favorite memories:

The wave! Mike and Kevin, that was NOT in the script you were provided! I was only kinda sorta paying attention when you started it, so imagine my surprise when suddenly half of the people in the room are jumping up and throwing their arms in the air. (Again, I refer you to my photos ... I just happened to be stationed at a decent spot for that.)

David Shipper's imitation of Gary O'Sullivan. And the Oscar for Best Portrayal of a Preneed Guru goes to ....

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Even though, as John Bolton pointed out, the Yankees-jersey-wearing Mike Hays forgot the words. (We love you, Mike. Just not your jersey.)

The Sales Presentation Demo. Many thanks once again to the Mt. Elliott Group folks for getting up on stage and doing that role play, and to all those in the audience who then shared their observations of what was done well and what they might have done differently. One of the most interactive and informative sessions we've ever had.

Meeting so many nice preneed sales folks. Last but not least, my favorite part of any ICCFA event is the ability to meet our members, to put faces to names and to learn firsthand a little more about what you do. I tell all my friends I work for the nicest people in the world, and you have yet to prove me wrong.

If you were not at this year's WWS Conference, I hope you'll plan to come next year (January 13-15 in New Orleans). If you were there, I hope you'll come back again! Thank you for making my job so rewarding, and if you have suggestions for improvement ... let's have 'em. That's what the comments section is for!