NAIDnews From the Editor: It’s Sort of Like the Holidays

December 4, 2017

Kelly Martínez, NAID Director of Marketing & Communications

It’s sort of like the holidays… as the stores begin to deck out with decorations and houses in lights, and special music plays constantly on the radio, I find I can’t help but be in the holiday spirit this time of year.

And so the same is true after putting together this issue of the NAIDnews with so many conference-related pieces. How could I not be in the conference-spirit by now?! It’s December and I’m full of cheer because the $200 Early Bird Discount is valid through the end of the month (and is already applied at the time of check-out). I love saving money, and this issue also includes discounts available while staying in Nashville. There is even a NAID-exclusive offer valid in select stores in Downtown Nashville on attire.

Steve Richards, CSDS, whom everyone adores, greets us with a warm and hospitable welcome to his hometown, offering recommendations on what we can enjoy while we’re in Nashville for the conference. I got to sit and chat with Jamie Hughes, NAID’s very own Director of Events and Programs, who works magic to put on this glorious event, to find out more about it (and why she spends all year preparing – just like Santa!).

If you’ve ever watched “Bar Rescue”, you already LOVE Jon Taffer and are eager to hear him share his wisdom with us during NAID 2018. However, reading his full bio on page 24, made me even more ecstatic (dare I say, like a kid at Christmas? Too much?). He really has his finger on the pulse of how to make businesses work. That’s the sort of present I want any day of the year.

The rest of the issue is filled with rich and interesting content too, from a captivating look into where we’ve been and are going as an association, to my interview with Brock Miller to learn more about the CSDS program.

So pour a mug of hot cocoa, get ready to be informed, and let the spirit of the season fill you too.