TriAd revisits The Station and attends the 2012 FTBA Annual Convention

(Jerry Marks and Crystal Vance of TriAd’s Publications staff were in attendance at the recent 2012 FTBA Annual Convention on behalf of Florida Transportation Builder magazine. Here are some of their thoughts from the road.)

Opulence describes TriAd’s most-recent “assignment.”

Having the opportunity to cover our clients’ annual meetings, conventions and conferences is one of the benefits of what we do. The latest on-site work was at the famed Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., for the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA).

While some people think “on remote” is paid time-off, it is anything but. I’m being serious; even though I’m writing this on a Sunday morning in the midst of the Breakers’ Italian-influenced architecture and décor. Did I happen to mention “opulence”?

Admittedly, through the years of covering these events, I’ve felt the effects of the 15-hour days of performing editorial and photography coverage – from breakfast meetings to evening receptions. I am guilty oftentimes of looking at the responsibilities at hand and neglecting to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

During the event’s Prayer Breakfast, which concludes FTBA’s conventions, I took special note of the speaker as he recited Robert J. Hastings’ “The Station.” Here’s an excerpt that had added meaning to me:

 

… When we get to the station that will be it!” we cry. Translated it means:
“When I’m 18 that will be it!” “When I buy a new 450 SL Mercedes Benz
that will be it!” “When I put the last kid through college that will be it!”
“When I have paid off the mortgage that will be it!” “When I win a pro-
motion that will be it!” “When I reach the age of retirement that will be it!
I shall live happily ever after!”

Unfortunately, once we get “it,” then “it” disappears. The station somehow
hides itself at the end of an endless track.

“Relish the moment” is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24:
‘This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ It
isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad. Rather, it is regret over yesterday
or fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.”

 

Hastings’s poem ends with a plea to “stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles.” Instead, he suggests “climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.”

Following the morning’s breakfast, when my work was done and before embarking on the trip home, I took advantage of being “on site” and experiencing the immediate beauty at hand. That beauty, is not only in the venue’s surroundings, but also the people that TriAd is privileged to work with.

To our clients, we thank you not only for the hospitality we receive when we attend these events, but also the privilege of working with you. As I said earlier, having the opportunity to cover our clients’ annual meetings, conventions and conferences is one of the nicest benefits of doing what we do.

Drop Us a Line

It’s time to find some inspiring ideas for you!

Give us a call at (800) 288-7423 or fill out the form below

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.