What is RecognitionTalk?

I am developing a collection of virtual networking spots in which I can share my passion on the subject of Employee Recognition.

I work full-time in the field of employee recognition, am current the Executive Vice President of Recognition Professionals International, a non-profit organization which focuses wholly on the importance and benefits of employee recognition - and its impact on an organization's bottom line.

Our 12th Annual Conference will be held May 3-5, 2009, in Naples, FL at the Naples Grande Beach Resort (visit www.recognition.org to learn more). I am the conference chair, working daily with my co-chair, Steve Richardson. Since the conference is less than two weeks away, follow me through my day-to-day activities as we prepare for our sharing conference.

The conference is a great opportunity for individuals that have varied levels of experience in the field of employee recognition. From an individual that supports the recognition programs at their organization, to a sales representative in the incentive industry, and CEOs who 'get it' and want to ensure their organization is doing all it can to recognize and reward their employees - which in turn will improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. Our conference has many opportunities for networking and we'll even be introducing a mentoring program for those newcomers and new members to our organization.

We have many great keynote speakers....Daryn Kagan, Disney Institute, Cindy Ventrice, and Roy Saunderson. Visit their sites to learn more about these guest speakers. In addition, we offer two days of on-site workshops where you can hear about various best practices from practioners and resource providers.

We offer an Encouraging Excellence exhibit hall, with key incentive and employee recognition service providers - spend time with these experts in the field and learn what is new in the world of recognition.

The RPI organization is also the only organziation in the world that offers a 'Certified Recognition Professional' certification program. In conjunction with the conference, you can also begin your courses in the CRP program and be well on your way to becoming a Certified Recognition Professional yourself!

The highlight of the conference is our Awards Banquet where the organization recognizes our Recognition Champions (recognizing those individuals that exemplify the qualities of a true recognition champion), our Spotlight Awards (recognizing our RPI key volunteers), and our Best Practice Awards (recognizing organizations on their exhibition of RPI's seven Best Practice Standards) concluding with the 'Best Overall' to the organization that was judged with the highest marks in all seven Best Practice Standards.

We welcome you to visit our site www.recognition.org to learn more about our organization and upcoming conference. If this date is too close for you to attend, please follow me .... because as soon as I get back from this year's conference in Florida, I begin working on our conference scheduled in May 2010 - in Las Vegas, Nevada!

I look forward to sharing with you the trials and tribulations of planning our conference, leading this important organization and sharing great recognition tips with you. Welcome to RecognitionTalk!