Archive of the 'Chicago Experiences' Category

Pam and I had just returned from seeing “Jersey Boys,” when we ran into some old friends in the lobby – Rick Bush (Managing Editor, Transmission and Distribution World magazine) and his wife Alice. They too had taken advantage of “Broadway in Chicago” and saw “Wicked.” It was fun visiting with friends and comparing the shows. Rick and I met because of our love of Broadway shows. We were both in New York City many years ago attending a PES Winter Meeting. I was in line at the half price ticket kiosk in Times Square and I struck up a conversation with the guy behind me. He was an engineer – me too. He was in town with PES – me too. He liked musicals – me too. Strange his business card was that of the previous editor (whom I knew) with the name scratched out and his penciled in. By time we reached the window, we had decided to see a play together that evening. Stranger still, he had no cash to buy the ticket. Was this a set up? Hum… he told me that if I would buy the tickets he would pay me back at the hotel (we were both staying at the Hilton). I could hold the ticket. Was it a set up? What the heck, he was an interesting fellow and shows are more fun with a friend. I had the tickets. He would only get his when money changed hands. It was worth it – the guy told very funny stories. So, I bought the tickets and off we went to the Hilton. The thought did cross my mind that this could be a set up to a mugging once we left Time Square. Oh by the way, I’m a 7th degree black belt and after sitting on my butt all day in meetings, I could use the exercise. As it turned out, Rick was exactly who he said he was. We had good dinner, saw a great show, and have been close friends ever since. Over the years, I have made many close friendships because of PES, but this was one of the strangest encounters of all the meetings I have attended. I welcome any comments. Does anyone else have a strange encounter at a PES conference? Tell me about it.

We made it to Chicago! The flight was 20 minutes early and we made it to the hotel in record time. Enough time to head out to the theater and see if we could get tickets to a show. We scored VIP Cast Member seats to see Jersey Boys! Is that cool or what? The show was great – I’ll be driving everyone crazy in the next few days humming the score. Come a day or two early and you can get into all kinds of things. My Chicago friends were correct. They told me to get here early and take in the sights and sounds. Jersey Boys was good for both. I never have been one to sit in my room when there is so much to do. How about you? What fun things are you planning? Write and let me know.

The elephant has a gestation period of about 22 months – a long time. Fine you say, what does that have to do with anything. Well, I was talking with my friend Tommy Mayne; he is North American T&D Chairman and heads up the team responsible for the T&D Expo. Tommy told me the PES T&D Expo takes 6 to 8 years from the first planning meeting until the doors swing open and the attendees enter the exhibit floor. That made me think about elephant gestation periods – hey I told you earlier I have a different thought process than most people (friends say it comes from getting hit in the head too many times). Seriously think of it, 6 to 8 years of work by hundreds of volunteers and staff. I knew the process was a lengthy one, but I had no idea it was that long. Tommy went on to explain planning is everything in this business. The day after Hurricane Katrina; the team started wheels turning for the 2010 T&D Expo’s return to New Orleans, while at the same time moving to Dallas in 2006. Dallas was a fantastic T&D Expo. Tommy said the team motto is “New Orleans is ready for you, but are YOU ready for New Orleans?”

Stay tuned, I’ll be talking more with my friend about the efforts of the team for our benefit. I’d welcome any and all comments.