During the mid-1700s, Benjamin Franklin quoted a proverb in Poor Richard’s Almanac that tells about how a tiny nail was lost in a horseshoe, which led to the loss of a horse. The loss of the horse resulted in the loss of the rider, which then led to the loss of a battle. Because of the loss of this critical battle, the kingdom was lost. This proverb is a good analogy for understanding how a very tiny shift in behavior or action through advocacy can have a lasting and meaningful impact.
Regardless of your political affiliation, we have to acknowledge that our elected officials are public servants who have a lot of people vying for their attention as it relates to their issues. They are the recipients of the advocacy efforts of many individuals and organizations. Why do so many people advocate? It is because it works, and it matters. However, it is hard, takes effort, and its success is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Just as the nail in the proverb above eventually leads to the loss of the kingdom. Your efforts in advocating for those issues that impact our industry matter and will make an impact over time.
If we are not telling our story, someone else is, and it is most likely not the story we want to be told. This has never been truer than this year as our industry is going through what is undoubtedly the most challenging time in our history. It is vital that that that we effectively communicate to our elected that officials that Exhibitions Mean Business and the impact we have on local, regional and the national economy.
This week on Wednesday, June 3rd, IAEE will again be hosting #exhibitionsday. To learn more about how you can make an impact this week and in the future, please visit–https://www.iaee.com/exhibitions-mean-business/Exhibitions-Day/
Work hard, be kind, add value, make an impact.
