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I came here from the West Coast. Exploring, I guess. I learned later about the tradition of exploration in this northern wilderness. French trappers and voyageurs paddled the state’s waterways before roads. Modern polar explorers tested resolve as kids in their frozen Minnesota backyards. Those explorers, like all who live here, share this in common: we endure winter and celebrate spring.
This spring, May 6 - 8, we welcome you to Minneapolis to celebrate the 19th annual meeting of the Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis.
Why Minneapolis?
Visitors say we’re nice. They call it ‘Minnesota Nice.’ We offer something to drink multiple times. We file fewer civil lawsuits than any other state. We use few confrontational verbs. And we rarely share personal preferences. All the better, perhaps, because this meeting is all about you, right?
Our theme this year is ‘Exploring Perspectives.’ Your perspectives. Your colleague’s perspectives. Your industry peers’ perspectives. Learning from each other and invited presenters, we’ll explore issues and perspectives that will help us be better professional communicators.
Come for the walleye, stay for the education.
Here are some of the highlights:
Social Media. If you leave Wi-Fi range for more than two days you’re already behind on social media trends, including blogging and podcasting. Chuck Zimmerman, president of ZimmComm New Media, will get us up-to-the-hour info on social media.
Panel Discussion. We addressed the sometimes blurred line between journalism and public relations in Savannah and we’ll continue that dialogue during a panel discussion. Look for your favorite journalist or PR professional sharing the do’s and don’t’s of working with each other. This popular session was a TOCA meeting staple for many years and we’re bringing it back!
Generation Gap. Ever have a conflict at work, shake your head and mutter, ‘That generation just doesn’t get it?’ Whether you’re a Boomer, GenXer or Millennial, exploring how you can use similarities and differences among generations to be more effective at work is crucial to productivity and sanity. Steve Drake, CEO of Drake and Company, will present followed by a Q&A of multi-generational panelists.
Party Time. Generations need not collide, let’s imbibe. The opening reception and dinner Wednesday night is conveniently located at the Radisson, a perfect launching pad for a night out in the city. Millennials, check your Facebook page for after-dinner hot spot recommendations. Boomers, we’ll announce them at the dinner. Or, you can just go to your room!
Recreation. If you’re a golfer, you’ll want to arrive early Wednesday morning to play the Hazeltine National Golf Course, site of the 2009 PGA Championship and previous site of the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur and other major events. If you’d rather soak in the best of Minneapolis, join us Wednesday morning for a tour of the renovated Mill District and internationally acclaimed Guthrie Theater overlooking the Mississippi River. You’ll get a bald eagle’s perspective of the city, enjoy great food and leave knowing more than most locals.
Group Outing. After the TOCA business meeting Thursday, we’ll explore the Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden and learn about agronomic challenges and what the deal is with that giant spoon and cherry.
The Beat Goes On. Let’s not forget about the hardware. The meeting continues Thursday night with the TOCA Awards Reception Banquet, immediately followed by the turf-funk sounds of TOCA’s own ‘Little Chicago.’
On behalf of this year’s program committee, including Debbie Clayton, Felicia Gillham, Shandra Wendorff, Andie Belfry and Den Gardner, come explore perspectives and see how we celebrate spring.
Download The 18th Annual TOCA Communications Contest Rules and Entry Form
at
www.toca.org, or
Click Here
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