Why is my membership such an obvious benefit to me?

I’d never thought about it systematically. Guess I should. Guess we all should.  It boils down to people and ideas. Ideas first. I read Performance Improvement Quarterly. I go to the PerformanceXpress URL each month and read that online resource too. The conference reminds me about ideas and commitments too easily forgotten in the rush for cost containment. When I brought a pal with me to ISPI in New York City, she noticed that the sessions were full. Even with the lure of NYC, conference attendees were there in full force. They were into it!

Then there’s the people. The conferences bring me back in contact with people who have influenced me. I sat at the feet of Thomas Gilbert. I sparred verbally with Robert Mager and Thiagi. I was activated by Bob Powers. I became good pals with Marc Rosenberg through our service together on the ISPI Board. I found how much I appreciated Ellen Wagner and Paul Harmo. I brought some of my students to their first conference and now get to see them years later as mature professionals, even ISPI Board members themselves.  

I enjoyed thinking about ISPI and my decades of experience with it. No regrets, that’s for sure.

Allison
Allison Rossett, CPT, EdD

Allison Rossett, CPT, EdD is currently a Professor of Educational Technology at San Diego State University. Allison has devoted her career to the development of training and technology professionals with a focus on e-learning and needs assessment. She is also a consultant in training and technology-based performance. Allison Rossett, CPT, EdD has been a longtime member of ISPI and was granted an Honorary Lifetime Membership in 2001.She may be reached via email at: arossett@mail.sdsu.edu.