Looking ahead to HPN Global's Annual Conference next week in Orlando

I joined HPN Global in May 2010 and let me tell you it was the best decision I have ever made in my life. After a very successful career in hotel service and sales, I am having the time of my life working with HPN Global.

Admittedly I was very hesitant for a very long time about leaving the comforts of a corporate environment....you know the bi weekly pay checks, full benefits, discount hotel rooms, catered breakfast lunch and dinners- but I wanted and needed more.

Then I met Bill Kilburg, Steve Scatino and John Murillo that fateful afternoon in Cancun Mexico while attending MPI's Meet Different at the Moon Palace.

It was there at that bar- I caught my first glimpse of Bill in flip flops...lol....and the passionate spirit of the others. Very smart, very happy and very engaging.....I wondered, what are these guys doing because there are obviously doing something right.

I will never forget the first conversation I had with Steve Scatino about the value of the internet and especially for the business of 3rd party meeting planning. I will never forget our heated discussion. Bill Kilburg looked on and was getting a kick out of two 5 foot nothings going toe to toe in a discussion about the meetings business.

Here I am supposed to be catering to this man with gobs of group business as I represented the largest Marriott in the world, but I found it more exciting to have a passionate discussion about our business. The topic, was the internet and how participating in the internet correctly can expand your business. And my point, any business including site selection/meeting procurement has tremendous opportunities.

Now, fast forward to today. I am no longer with Marriott and I am 6 months into my gig with HPN Global. I could never have imagined I would not only be this happy, but this far on my way to being the true strategic meetings manager I am ultimately able to be with the resources provided by HPN Global.

I am honored that the entire Executive Team at HPN Global has given me this opportunity, to not only use the tools they have established for all associates, but to introduce new technologies, business systems that will help grow each associates reach and the HPN Global brand.

The internet is incredible, social networks have changed the game and we all should be having the time of our lives.

I look forward to meeting everyone who attends the HPN Global Conference in Orlando where we will have tremendous fun, while learning from each other about our industry we all love so much.

Safe travels, see you all in Orlando.

Bryan Bruce