busiest. conference. ever.

Music: Talk Talk: Live in London (1986)

I had hoped to steal away a few moments to blog a bit about the conference I’m currently attending, the National Communication Association Conference in Chicago. Unfortunately, to attend everything that I was assigned to meant . . . there was no time. I’m currently late for a “party” (departments sometimes host parties in conference rooms for friends, alums, and hopefuls).

I do have this “late” moment to blog this: as exhausting as these conferences are, they’re also energizing. Also, this year more than any other, I’ve noted much less cynicism and more goodwill going around. The mood of the conference is upbeat and friendly. Perhaps that’s just because my friends are upbeat and giving. Or perhaps it’s because we like Chicago. Or perhaps it’s because Obama is president.

I don’t know the answer, but tonight that will be my questions for the parties: (1) how would you characterize the mood of this conference? and (2) how would you account for it? Report forthcoming, and likely from an airport.