At the beginning of August, I had the opportunity to attend SMPS Amplify, our national conference, hosted in Columbus, Ohio. As my first time experiencing Amplify, I was struck by the energy, inspiration, and sense of community that filled every room. From powerful keynotes to practical breakout sessions, the conference delivered not just ideas, but tools and connections I will most certainly remember as I get back to the daily grind of work life.
One of the most memorable moments came from the MainStage keynote by Alex Sheen, founder of Because I Said I Would. Sparked by the loss of his father, Alex began sending Promise Cards around the world at no cost, inspiring millions to honor their commitments. His presentation was heartwarming, humorous, and deeply motivating all at once. Each of us walked away with our own Promise Card as a tangible reminder of the commitments we make to ourselves, our teams, and our communities.