I just returned on Monday from the NSA convention in Hawaii. When family & clients heard where I was going, the first reaction was jealously about my "vacation". Since I had never been to Hawaii and may never get another opportunity to go there, I did add a couple of days to the itinerary. But the majority of the days, were spent going to meetings, training, seminars, and networking.
Networking is fun, networking is beneficial (you learn so much from colleagues), but networking is work! You have to be what I call "on point." You want to be candid, but you also have to remember to be politically correct, polite and not argumentative.
Each day seemed to become a little longer, and more exhausting. However, if you asked me, would I do it again - you bet. It is great to see friends and colleagues that live far from Arizona. Each year I make a few more acquaintances and enrich friendships from past events. Besides the business, education, and voting, there is lots of fun at convention. The receptions always provide a "taste" of the state hosting it.
I ate many Hawaiian treats including taro, poi, octopus salad, and lots of fish; but I also relished the Taste of Wisconsin, where I got to enjoy brats and fresh cheese curds!
Before the convention I went snorkeling to Turtle Point on Monday, and took the Road to Hana tour Tuesday. Loved both excursions. Weds started the meetings, training and seminars. We did get to enjoy an optional event - the Old Lahaina Luau Thursday night. And the last day had a mid afternoon break and got to see lao Valley Needle and Maui Ocean Center.
My seminars included Domestic Tax Issues for Non-Resident Aliens and Foreign Tax Issues for U.S. Citizens, 2 areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent. Other compliance issues included the New Schedule E and Preparer Due Diligence in the Real World.
Learned alot, enjoyed good food, and had some fun in the sun. Now its back to taxes and more seminars.
