Reflections on PAB2011

As another PAB draws to a close it’s time to reflect on why I keep coming back and what I get out of PAB.

In the beginning, the focus was on some of the technical aspects or the mechanics of how I could share our stories with the world. Some of these were new to me and I’ve incorporated them into my editing and story telling techniques. Some were topics that didn’t apply to my situation at all, but they did to other attendees.

Later years focused on ways to tell a story so that it was compelling to watch, listen to or read. Some of these techniques have helped me to collect and tell a better story. Some have not.

Recently, PAB has centred on the importance of the story itself. The importance of recording it, sharing it and making sure that it lasts.

Every year, leading up to PAB, I wonder what I will take away. What spark will catch in me? Who will give a presentation or Jolt that make me think long after PAB is over and all of the  folks that make up the PAB family have all gone home.

This year, I can honestly say that each and every person who got up on that stage at the NAC left something in me that I can and will take away and use.
– I will collect content where ever I see it
– I will strive to tell a compelling story and engage my audience
– I will recognize those unattended moments in life.
– I will raise my hand when those Shiver Moments happen. Sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally.
– I will not be afraid to head into the jungle and the unknown, to go with my gut feeling, regardless of what the locals may think.
– I will not be afraid to let my voice and believes be heard and when possible, I will lend my voice to those that have none.
– Sometimes, I’ll share too much.
– I will be bolt.
– I will record the stories of my family and share them, show them and protect them like the precious jewels that they are.
– I will publish more. Sometimes it will be crappy, but hopefully, occasionally I will polish that turd and it will make someone think, react, or raise a hand. You will decide which is which, not me.

The PAB2011 Family

Photo Credit Martin Jones

According to my dictionary, Conference comes from the Latin conferre “bring together”. PAB brings together the most extra-ordinary group of people that I have every known and my life is richer in so many ways because of the relationships that I have made with all of you.

I thank you.

We miss you Moe!

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4 Responses to Reflections on PAB2011

  1. Tom Hofstatter says:

    Beautifully said Mark. I am still so energized from PAB2011, and agree that there was zero filler – each interaction I had built on the last.

    When I got back to ‘real-life’ though I struggled to explain to my family and friends what PAB was, or even any details about what goes on, only that it was Special.

    Now I will just point them here.

    -Tom

    • Mark says:

      Thanks, Tom.

      I’m glad to that see that PAB spurred you on to get your first episode of The Dads I Know out. I’m subscribed. Keep it up.

      Cheers, Mark

  2. Rob Lee says:

    Thanks for sharing this with us, Mark – and you’re right, the people who attend PAB are indeed the most remarkable group of people I’ve ever been involved with in my life, which is tremendously richer for having interacted with them (ahem, you and Moe especially 🙂 )

    I am *so* looking forward to meeting up with All The Usual Suspects, and the new-to-the-flock attendees as well, at PAB 2012 🙂

  3. Pingback: Some of the many links to PAB2011 content - PAB Conference

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