January Editor's Alley - It's Conference Season!
It’s Conference Season everyone! It’s Conference Season!
With the 2023 CSMFO Conference starting in Sacramento on Tuesday (pre-conference) and the official kickoff on Wednesday morning, this marks one of my favorite times of the year and I hope it does for you as well.
From the top-notch educational opportunities to the networking with knowledgeable colleagues, to discovering new companies that could solve a problem, to reconnecting with old friends and making new, to all the fun social activities at night (especially the Thursday Night event), the annual CSMFO Conference offers a little something for everyone.
This year is also extra special for me since my great friend, Rich Lee, is the 2023 CSMFO President. For those who know Rich, they will tell you he is one of the most genuine, caring, thoughtful, and intelligent leaders around and this is evident in his and the Board’s vision for the 2023 Conference. It certainly has all the things above that make our annual conference great, but it has also sought to be environmentally conscious and give to those in need through its Philanthropy initiative. By all accounts, the Wellness Challenge was a great success that gave everyone a chance to push themselves towards good health while also providing much needed support to three local charities in the Sacramento area. I can’t wait to see the final results of what was raised by the participants and their sponsors. And as a reminder, CSMFO will also be matching total contributions to these charities up to $25,000! So if you haven’t donated yet, but would like to, there will be opportunities to donate at the conference and you may also use the online links shown on the conference Philanthropy page. Thank you to all who donate financially and also all those who will donate their time at the Day of Service on Tuesday, January 31.
And lastly, I sincerely look forward to seeing everyone at the conference over this next week. For those that are new to the conference, I encourage you to be fully engaged, be present, and expand your comfort zones where you can. The first conference can be a daunting prospect, but I assure you that you will meet some of the best, most supportive, and most welcoming people in our industry. So don’t be shy. Introduce yourself to a new person at lunch. Who knows. They may be facing similar work challenges as you and be able to offer help. Visit the exhibit halls and speak to vendors that may be able to provide you with services and products to address a pressing need. And just as importantly, have fun. There will be lots of opportunities to do just that and I very much looking forward to our Thursday night event at Punchbowl Social. If are unsure about going, I encourage you to again expand you comfort zones and just go. Like the conference, there will be a little something for everyone; including great food and drink, games, music, dancing, karaoke, and the company of fantastic people. And just like I said in my first Editor’s Alley last March, you will surely know who am I. I’ll be the one dancing!
Will Fuentes has also served on the Board of Directors and was previously a Vice-Chair of the Career Development Committee. Prior to working for the City of Campbell, Will has served in roles at the City of Milpitas (Finance Director), City of Hayward (Deputy Finance Director), City of San Leandro (Assistant Finance Director), and City of Union City (Revenue and Budget Manager). In his free time, Will loves to hike, run, workout, go dancing, and cheer on the University of Notre Dame and the Buffalo Bills; as a former mid-westerner and New Yorker.
