I find myself in a strange position. We just completed the PIE 2022 event, and I was unable to attend. Yes, I was stopped by the dreaded Covid, spending 10 days in quarantine and now experiencing the weakness that comes with the recovery.
It is difficult to express my thanks to my team who pressed on and held what I’m told was a most successful event. Words cannot describe the incredible work done by Marcy to hold parties, exhibitions, and all the little things that make PIE what it is. I am in awe. The input I have received from attendee and exhibitor alike has been fantastic.
My heartfelt thanks to Astrid who managed the seminars and ensured they came off without a hitch. And working behind the scenes, Kelley who kept things running smoothly. My personal thanks to you all.
Someone asked “who was the idiot that selected Reno?” That idiot would be me. Venues are under contract three or more years before the event. Our future sight could never have imagined the perfect storm of Covid, travel interruptions, and frankly people reacting to the world around them that stressed both exhibitors and attendees. Those of you who braved planes, trains, and automobiles to get to Reno found a beautiful venue, warm and welcoming people, and a terrific show. To you I offer my heartfelt thanks.
PIE 2023 returns to Chicago. It’s a new venue as we have outgrown our former home at the Hyatt Regency. The exhibition will be held in Schaumberg, a 15 minute drive from O’Hare, the airport with the most direct flights in the country. This is a world class conference center connected to a beautiful hotel. We will be revealing this prime property to you in due course.
On a personal note, I never realized just how long and arduous the recovery stage of Covid can be. One is weak, dizzy, and simply not geared up to face the world. I now understand what people mean when they say it takes weeks, if not months, to fully recover. My schedule for the next quarter is completely at sea, basically one day at a time.
I truly appreciate the good wishes I have received and guarantee that they have made a huge difference. Recovery is mental as well as physical and everything helps. This is a two steps forward, one step back situation, but I will persevere.
JVH
4 Responses
John, get well soon. Your team did a great job!
Whatever you pay Marcy, its not enough. She and the team did an absolutely first class job of running the show and they all deserve our thanks for making the whole thing run so smoothly.
Good to catch up with you on Wednesday John, and glad to see that you are well on the road to recovery. I got Covid just a bit before you and six weeks on I am finally feeling just about OK. So take it easy and you will get there.
John: Get well soon. Hope you are starting to feel better. You have trained Marcy well, she did an amazing job. Great team to be able to pick up the show and keep it going.
John, Marcy and all the team did a wonderful job. Everything ran smoothly and it was a sweet PIE experience. All that said, it wasn’t the same without you there to both cheer and grump. Hope you are feeling better, and get even better as quickly as possible. All the best to you!