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I recently saw 2020 described as 60 Wonderful, 10 very questionable, and 295 what just happened days. I don't think any industry is more acutely aware of the "What Just Happened" days than Live Events. While we have been moving through this time together, it has affected us all in untold different ways. Now, at the beginning of a new year, I would like to encourage all of us to take a hard look at how we want to approach the recovery. I have a couple of thoughts, and I hope you will bear with me. 

First, Be an advocate for the industry and yourself. There is a multitude of different ways to accomplish this. Whether you choose to reach out on the political side and utilize the many organizations that have formed or on the personal side and take advantage of the available education opportunities. Take advantage of every chance you can improve yourself and the industry. 

Second, Strive for more! If I hear the term "New Normal" or "return to normal" one more time, I might lose my mind. What is so great about normal. Why is that suddenly something to strive toward? I had a teacher tell me the only constant in the universe is change. We are always changing, hopefully for the better. What we have seen this year is a rapid state of change. I admittedly am the type of person that copes well in a state of flux. It does not bother me. I know it is much harder for many people. My encouragement for 2021 is to embrace the change. Revel in the shift that is coming. All of us know it will happen this year. Shame on us if we are not prepared to greet it head-on and make the industry and ourselves better in the process.

These are my two main thoughts going into 2021. Thank you to everyone that has held on through this chaotic year. A Special appreciation to those that have encouraged and assisted each other in anyway possible during this time.

I am looking forward to this year and will continue to strive to live up to a simple idea. It is not about finding shelter in the storm. It is about learning to dance in the rain.  

I hope to see you in person this year!

Russ Callahan 

SWIAEE Chairperson