 |  Periodic editorials concerning everything from the very worst industry—from an annual report standpoint, that is—to what's wrong with the Fourth Estate. Reporters who can't hit an accuracy with a cannon. |
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| Periodic editorials concerning everything from the very worst industry—from an annual report standpoint, that is—to what's wrong with the Fourth Estate. Reporters who can't hit an accuracy with a cannon. |
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Sid writes of what he views as some engrossing trends—involving people in the annual report field.
As a student of human nature—which I strive to be—some absolutes recently have risen to the fore. Take the reception kicking off our annual International Annual Report Conference: The reception ends punctually at 7 p.m. Two hours, and attendees are out of there; you could set your clock by it. So what happened in Chicago, in mid-September? For the first time in 14 conferences, a third of the crowd remained half an hour longer. That's notable. A need to bond, for camaraderie, our executive vice president suggested, the warmth engendered by the many repeat-attendees at our conference, anxious to make newcomers feel welcome—to create community, as we say. Then there's the matter of health. Our executive VP (who doubles as my spouse) predicted after 9/11 a year ago that incidents of illness would soar. Why? Because of the trauma of the terrorist attacks out East. So what happened to prove (or disprove) her theory? More registered for this year's conference failed to show; for many, their excuses (valid, we believe) involved health problems. My current health problem (this isn't a joke) is a sore back. While one or two New Yorkers openly declined to attend—"It's a day to spend worshipping, with grandchildren"—a dozen other East Coasters made excuses. My favorite: "I forgot I was committed to coach a bunch of nine- and 10-year-olds at ice hockey." In September. Okay... Several failed to show, pleading—in record numbers—a surprise work assignment that "simply requires my attention." Unable, or unwilling, to attribute their absence to the fear of flying, thanks to the wall-to-wall news media coverage of the year-earlier tragedy. Even one speaker, scheduled to fly from the United Kingdom, emailed on eve of the conference to say his friends and his spouse talked him out of coming. Based, not on his position but on his terrible timing—too late to get a replacement—he was told that by his action, he just forfeited my friendship. I explained, to him and to all the others: "There will be a September 11 the rest of our lives," just as December 7 "will live in infamy," to quote our then-President. Next year's conference, No. 15, is set for September 10-12 at Charleston's Mills House Hotel. More than one person at this year's event, in Chicago, questioned "Couldn't you get a date away from 9/11?" The answer was, and is, "no." I explained the narrow window we have: Can't be around Labor Day. October's too late for annual report producers. And there are the Jewish high holidays to avoid. So many years, we're limited; i.e., a narrow window is available. But if one avoids 9/11 evermore, the terrorists have won. Think about it. |
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