Adventures at FSEA

The Florida Society of Environmental Analysts conference was in St. Pete, FL this time around, and what a treat it was to exhibit.
It was my second conference to date, but the first on my own.


The average attendance for this meeting is 150 people, allowing me the chance to mingle and get to know other companies and vendors in our industry.  New to the Environmental Industry, I feel more like a sponge, soaking in all kinds of information. From sales techniques and branding, to the proper way of saying ‘Potassium Permanganate,’ I have surrounded myself with new and exciting material everyday. That is why I jumped in with Thomas Cain. Chemistry, Science, Environmental laboratories were not part of my post-collegiate plan, yet I find myself excited by any opportunity my boss swings my way.

I really enjoyed talking with our customers. The opportunity to get to know them is pretty rare, and at small conferences like FSEA you have the time to do so. Not only did I get to see how our equipment was performing in their lab, I had the chance to chat about the upcoming World Cup, the tragic Oil Spill and their fears of it spreading their way, where they grew up and what they had for lunch. Small talk to me, is the best part of representing a company. Quite frankly it is just more fun. I can always find something in common and learn something new about someone.

I was able to take my Mom with me on this trip.  She had an amazing time hanging out on the beautiful beaches of St. Pete during the day and nights with me and some of our friends in the industry. I can’t remember the last time my mom and I were able to spend 4 straight days together. I hope she will join me on another trip in the future, because she sure made it be that much greater. Thanks Mom!

All in all, with every trip I take, whether it be an installation or conference, I learn more about the industry, our role in it, and where I fit in. Until next trip!

Leah.