I'm Peter Bachman, incoming association chairman for 2013, and I wanted to introduce myself and welcome new and returning members. I really enjoyed meeting many of you at our 2013 Annual Conference, and I'm looking forward to connecting again next year at the Annual Conference in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The beautiful Reef Hotel and Casino will be the site of our conference, which will make for both a fun and informative gathering. There are some great formal and informal ways to network during this conference--it's one you don't want to miss. If you are beginning your career, networking at the conference is a fantastic way to find a mentor.
We have many exciting things happening in our industry during the next year, especially relating to certification and licensing program changes. As many of you know, continuing education in our field is a passion of mine, and I have been chair of the Education Committee for the past five years. During that time the number of members participating in continuing education classes and sitting for the licensing xam has almost doubled, which tells me that this is an area that many of you are interested in as well. I'm always interested in hearing members' thoughts on what subject areas they'd like to see more education offered in, and the value you feel that licensing brings to your career. Join us for plenary sessions on this very topic at the conference!
A little bit about me--I am a graduate of Texas A and M University in College Station, Texas. I love watching Aggie football games with my son, James, and I also enjoy playing guitar and reading. I'm originally from Dallas, Texas and my wife Anne and I have enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia as part of our careers. I've found it especially wonderful to connect with association members from all over the world, learning that we have the same common interests and goals in our industry no matter where we live! I am looking forward to traveling more in Asia next year and hope to meet members there.
Feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] and let me know how you're doing, and how our association can better serve you.