Greetings from Orlando!  Today was the 2nd day of the National Association of Professional Organizers annual conference.  It is so exciting to be with 700 other professional organizers!  This is the largest organizing conference in the world and all types of organizers come from all over the world.

After the morning general session on how veteran organizers turned their business dreams into reality, I attended 2 technical sessions.  The first was on time management and the presenter was Harold Taylor, (http://www.taylorintime.com ) He gave me some new insight on the subject.  He talked a lot about the overload that we are experiencing and the speed in which we work and live.  He offered several ways to slow down time by adding variety to life, being present in what we do, and creating more meaningful experiences in our lives.  I like that advice.  It makes so much sense.  We are more likely to remember and cherish memorable events than the mundane activities we do day after day.

Many time management experts speak about the disadvantages of multi-tasking, something our brains really don't do any way.  We may think that we are multi-tasking, but really our brains switch quickly from one activity to the next.  It is one of the ways that we are destroying our brains and actually losing intelligence.  This has been confirmed by researchers who study the effects of multi-tasking on our brains.

My second break out session was on the topic of the future of organizing in the business environment.  The focus was on the future of technology and generational diversity in the work place.  I was very excited to have Gary Balser on the panel who discussed the value of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing practices are improving productivity for large and small businesses alike.  This topic is of interest to me since I specialize in business productivity.  Many of the practices, such as the 5 S's, are taught by professional organizers already.  I don't know if certification is something I would pursue, but I am very interested in the topic and how it affects businesses today and in the future.

The highlight of my day was meeting Michael Port, author of the new book "The Think Big Revolution" and "Book Yourself Solid" http://www.michaelport.com/ at the PTAC Hospitality Suite.  There was a small group of organizers there and we had a chance to speak to Micheal and learn how some of his concepts apply to professional organizers.  Everyone at this conference is very giving with their knowledge and Michael was no exception.  He will be delivering the closing keynote tomorrow afternoon.

I must say that my head is spinning with new ideas that I cannot wait to implement when I get back to my office.  The conference ends tomorrow (Saturday) and I will be sad to see it end.  I am already looking forward to the annual conference next year in Columbus, Ohio.

If you would like to learn more about NAPO and the conference, please visit www.napo.net.

Until tomorrow...

Tamara Meyer
Meyer Professional Organizing
www.meyerorganizing.com