By Rene Lavoie, NEAFA Communications Committee
As we approach the holidays and spend time with family and friends, we also look back on the year that has passed. The Covid-19 pandemic has forever changed how we behave and interact with each other. Our isolation these past 18 months continues to remind me of our need for a human contact.
This fall, our world began to open up again as in-person industry events took place. For me it began with the world dairy expo in Madison, Wisconsin. It was the first chance that I had to travel for business since February 2019. Although the crowd was significantly smaller than it normally is, it was hugely beneficial to my mental health, my business relationships, and my concern of how this world would move forward from the pandemic. I was able to reconnect with at least 25 suppliers that I have not seen in person for a long time. In addition, I was able to add new relationships to my business funnel. By now it was getting quite empty, and it was nice to replenish it.
After a successful world dairy expo came the Cornell Nutrition Conference. It was fairly well attended, however they did allow for virtual attendance as well. This meant the numbers were down a bit for the in-person meetings. This was a clear indicator that people are still not completely comfortable with large gatherings. Again however, I made contact with some old friends and started a few potentially new relationships. October closed out with the Penn State Dairy Nutrition Conference at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. This conference did not allow for a virtual option. It was very well attended, and the numbers were extremely good. Although some of the connections were overlapping from previous recent meetings, The continued connection was welcome.
Just this past week, our business had its first in-person employee gathering since Covid shut us down. The camaraderie, team building, and overall enthusiasm restate our need for human connection. As we end 2021 and move into 2022, I feel like I can honestly say that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not the train. The world feels like it is returning to normal, or at least what the new normal is. For now, I look forward to continuing to connect with old friends and catch up on the changes we have all been through and will continue to go through. I wish everybody a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year!