My First Congress: Reflections from Membership Coordinator Anna VanDeKerchove

Stepping off the plane in Aurora, CO, I was “AAAE” – alive, awake, alert, and enthusiastic!  My “why?” – it was my first in-person Annual Congress with AVLS. When I joined the AVLS staff in March of 2020, starting a new job and then transitioning to working remotely full-time 8 days into the role was not quite what I had in mind, but we were able to pivot and collectively adjust as a team. The past year and a half have presented many challenges; but also, many opportunities to learn and grow in this new world. By technicality, my first Annual Congress was October 2020, in our fully virtual format. We created a multi-classroom livestream to on-demand structure that was exciting and successful, but everything I had heard from past congress events had me feeling the FOMO big time (that’s the fear of missing out). All that said, even with many preparation meetings and schedules, I only knew so much as to what I should expect. The best part? All of my expectations were exceeded.

Our first two days at Gaylord Rockies were full of final preparations and getting everything ready. Pack comfortable shoes – check. On Wednesday evening, registration opened, and I was “on”. I know you know what I mean because you experience it too. Whether scrubbing into surgery, meeting a new patient, finding a treatment that works, or beginning a new research endeavor, we all have the light-switch moment of, “yes, here I am – THIS is where I belong”.  As the Member Services and Administrative Coordinator, I was most looking forward to my time at registration because it would be my first in-person experience with all of you! Wednesday evening through Sunday, I had the joy of getting to connect with so many AVLS members and guests both at the registration and our AVLS booth. A big part of why I love my job is how front facing it is. Sure, most of the time we communicate via email or on the phone, but nevertheless, it’s a connection! To be able to finally put faces to names, share handshakes and hugs, and revel in your joy of returning to a meeting – that’s the “good stuff”. While some people can feel cumulative fatigue over the course of an event, it was energizing for me to get to work with you in-person and as the days passed, it was hard to believe how quickly we approached the end. 

AVLS, as a member based and fostered society, is a group of truly remarkable individuals who come together and collectively create greatness. Seeing our members ask each other the easy and the difficult questions to answer, sharing conversation and time, sharing laughs, meals, and learning innovation together – these are the moments that are special. I’m grateful for our members and the time I got to interact with you throughout the week – whether at registration, the FVLD Fun Run for Mel, or Taste of Colorado. Did you throw some axes and have some of that amazing bison chili?

The importance of in-person events will never be lost on me now because I’ve seen and experienced the magic and potential.  Thank you to all of our members, both seasoned and brand new who made this event so memorable, and for continuing to support the society. I hope to see you all next year in the big easy, New Orleans - Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Please share your fun memories and special moments of Congress with me at avandekerchove@myavls.org – they may be featured in an upcoming Member Connection!