As with any large event there were good and bad parts.
First the good. The number of training sessions were excellent. It was difficult selecting which classes to attend and often I had to decide which was more important to my agency or individual skill set. For the most part, I wasn't disappointed in the content of the courses or instructors. I walked away with new knowledge. That's saying something after a total career length of 30 years!
The rooms for each session were roomy and clean. The sound was of good quality. Most of the classes allowed for plenty of room. I had the choice of sitting in a chair near the back or at a table. I generally picked a table, near the front, so I could take notes and better see the PowerPoint presentations. The IAM911, or "Imagine Listening, or Your worst day is my everyday" was near to capacity. The session where the Las Vegas Combined Fire Dispatchers spoke about the Route 91 (Oct 01) shooting was at standing room only. Nevada APCO held a Chapter meeting, which was the first time I was able to attend in person.
The APCO Block party was held at the Fremont Street Experience. Shuttle busses picked us up and brought us back. It was fun to hang out with folks from all over the country. At one point, a group of us found a table near a fan and played Blackjack. The winner earned a place near the fan. The final night was the Connect and Celebrate Dinner. We heard from the current (last night of her tenure) and the new President who, along with her cabinet, was sworn in. Entertainment was provided by Comedian Louie Anderson.
The Exhibit Hall opened on Monday. In addition to the many vendors, we were treated to demonstrations by the Sands K9 team. One could sign up to donate blood or have your resume reviewed at the Career Center, where classes were also held. There were old police cars to admire from Las Vegas Metro.
Now, for the 'could be better' stuff.
APCO had multiple PSAP tours scheduled but you could only sign up for the tour on that morning. That did make sense HOWEVER there was no line control. Folks were told that they couldn't sign up for their friends. One morning, having been in line for 30 minutes, when that announcement was made, a couple of people immediately made phone calls. Their friends showed up and cut in line ahead of us. The fifty limit was reached before I made it. I would have been able to go to the Las Vegas Metro tour had those folks NOT been called and cut ahead. That was not right. They didn't stand in line like me, and at least five others.
The Career Center needs to be in regular rooms instead of in the Exhibit Hall. The noise from folks wandering around or the announcements was too distracting. It lessened from the classes and the instructors trying to provide information.
During the meet & greet before the Celebrate Dinner, appetizers were served but the Sands staff didn't plan the event out properly. They ran out of food before a third of us had even entered the room. Drinks were crazy expensive ($13. for a glass of wine!). I stuck to water. That was free. In fact, the ice water dispensers in the convention center regularly ran out of water. It would have been to have access to coffee or tea. There were special morning breakfasts for first time attendees and young professionals but no place for those travelling alone. I seem to recall in the past, there was a room just for APCO members to meet. How about a mixer for that very purpose in the evening on Saturday?
Scheduling conflicts were tough. Do I attend a Chapter meeting, go to a class, or try to get to a tour? Sometimes the actual classes were spaced so close together, I had to leave a session time free. Chapter meetings should have been at the end of the day.
Overall, I had a good time and learned a lot.
Thanks and stay safe out there!
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