2014, Boston, I was a HOW newbie and it was one of the greatest weeks of my life. It opened me up to a world of inspiration from professionals I hadn't before known existed. This year HOW comes back to my home town of Chicago and I couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to attend the whole week.

Last year I set personal goals for myself. To step outside my comfort zone and get more out of the sessions and people then as if I had just gone and sat and listened. The goals were to introduce myself to at least one person each day and to ask at least one question to each speaker/session I attended. I was successful in those goals and it helped me break down the barriers and realize these are people just like you and I.

Next week will be here before you know it and this time I don't have a plane ride/airport hours to sit, read and ponder goals... I'll be hanging with my boys and enjoying 70 degree weather until the very last drop. (It doesn't happen all that often in April in Chicago). Instead I'll use the opportunity to start a blog to help me think through my goals...

Professional Goals:
1 - Bring back my favorite session or two to the team. Set up an hour to review and think about how we can implement into our work.
2 - Focus on Web: Discover ways to enhance our brand's online presence, build strategy and implement new trends.

Personal Goals:
1 - Participate in unofficial HOW events, introduce myself to others in the group and make friends in the biz.
2 - Figure out how other professionals stay on top of their public/social presence and portfolio and do it!