At this time of year, I always reflect on the past and what lies
ahead. Like so many, I had big goals, dreams, and aspirations in 2011
and find myself wondering, how did I do, have I left the world a
better place? Did I have the right priorities, am I am closer to the
life I dream of, professionally and personally? And, what can I learn
from where I missed the mark, where my priorities went side-ways, and,
the things that truly matter to me didn’t come together as I had
wished.

One of the most important lesson that seems to constantly replay in my
mind is we’re all thinking the same things, are wondering the same
questions, and we all on this journey we call life. That our dreams
and goals may be different, but, we all have them– just the same.
That’s why I love my fellow rAVe Blog Squadder’s. Check out Joel
Rollins post “A Clean Slate” for a wonderful perspective on he’s
approaching the new year and what lies ahead! http://is.gd/aNrmda

(Thanks Joel, it’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one thinking this way 🙂

The single most important lesson I find myself contemplating is how
much I have to be thankful and grateful for and have I done enough to
recognize, appreciate, and reciprocate for all the amazing people and
beautiful moments in 2011 that made life worth living and inspire my
dreams for 2012. And, how can I do better with this new beginning
laid out before me?

It’s easy for us to think of what didn’t happen the way we’d like,
but, how much are we overlooking about what did go right; our clients
were satisfied, we launched that new product/website/ service and the
special memories we hold in our hearts that will give us the
confidence to embark on even bigger and better goals in 2012.
Something as simple and profound as knowing there are people in this
world who care about you and willing to put themselves out there
because they believe in you.

Before we launch into this new year of what we can/will/ and resolve
to do different, have we taken the time to give thanks and appreciate
all that made 2011 worth living? If not, there’s still time!!!

There are so many thanks I need to give to the AV industry, not only
is it the best industry of creativity and forward thinking solutions–
that only happens because of the people who make it the only industry
worth being part of. It’s full of the kindest, most service-oriented,
hard working, and innovative people. I love the ambition, commitment,
and dedication of all who venture into our arena.

All my THANK YOU to Gary Kayye and rAVe [Publications] for supporting
Women in AV from the very beginning. You’ve supported and encouraged
us and 2011 was an amazing launch because of everything you did and
the voice you gave us. Thank you.

To the brains behind the beauty, THANK YOU to our WAVE Planning Board;
Laureen Jones, Kelly Perkins, Jan Sandri, Gina Sansivero, and Cory
Schaeffer. These ladies are the inspiration and the force behind each
milestone our WAVE group has achieved in such a short time. Look out
when you have a group of ladies who are about getting things done.
Personally and professionally, these ladies are some of the most
successful and inspiring women you will ever meet.

To InfoComm, our AVTweeps, and WAVE supporters, we can’t do this
without you and every day we are grateful for all you do and your
generous spirit for helping us reach higher and bigger!!

And, to the Women in AV. You are the purpose and the meaning for what
makes 2011 so special and all our thanks goes to. YOU break the
rules, you bring experience and wisdom to our industry like no other,
and you inspire us all!! It’s an honor and privilege to a member of
your group and I am so excited for what we are going to achieve in
2012!!

So, dream big everyone, go for it and never look back.. Except,
perhaps, when you want to say thank you!

Here are a few highlights from our 2011 WAVE beginnings to get excited for 2012!

** We’ve shared insights, articles, advice, and wonderful discussions
everyday! Some of our milestones also include:

** Our group started on June 22, 2011 and we’ve reached 248 members
in 6 months. We ARE a worldwide group with members in Australia, New
Zealand, Russia, Canada, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong, Austria, UK, USA,
and more!!

** We had our 1st InfoComm WAVE Webinar in Oct 2011 with over 200
participants. One of the most popular in InfoComm history!

** We had our 1st rAVe [Publications] WAVE TweetUp in Dec 2011 with
10 cities hosting local WAVE events and we all connected together
through Twitter in one “virtual” event!

** We launched our LinkedIn Group, @WomeninAV Twitter account, and
2012 will see us launch our website womeninav.com

** We embarked on a CTS Study Group and we’ll hit the ground running
to certification in 2012 thanks to Malissa Dillman, CTS-D, CTS-I and
Kramer Electronics!

Happy New Year all and best wishes for 2012!!! Pop that bubbly, enjoy
ALL your success and what’s to come!!