Note: After over two years, EMI’s Directors gathered in the mountains of Colorado for an overdue conference. The space to reconnect was just as important as the sessions themselves.
EMI CEO John Dallmann didn’t mind starting the conference on his 60th birthday. At least he got a cupcake.
For a cultural experience, outdoorsman John brought a few Directors to a sporting store. Director Gerhard van der Merwe points to part of an animal which came from Southern Africa.
Outside, I introduced EMI Mexico Director Jorge Aguero to one of our most famous Americans.
Global HR Director John Breitenstein shares an update on EMI Fellowships. This newest avenue for early career professionals at EMI is all about growth.
Here is how we rigged our presentation projector for the week. Those are used ‘K-cups’ propping up the front to improve air circulation. These kinds of absurdities are inevitable and are meant to be enjoyed.
For his presentations, Global Programmes Director John Sauder used this yellow color. He did this to make us all feel more happy.
Perhaps this is the room reaction to John’s yellow happy.
I’ve been part of Director’s conferences at EMI since 2004. This is what they have all had in common — the space for leadership peers to connect and encourage one another.
Regional Directors are relatively new positions for overseeing EMI’s 12 offices. Chad Gamble (center) is fulltime Asia ‘RD’, while CEO John Dallmann (left) and COO Brad Crawford (right) split their time as Africa & Americas RDs.
A glorious morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. One of the best conference innovations over the years was to include a break day about halfway through the business sessions. It makes the whole week more enjoyable and productive.
Though South Africa Director Gerhard is a vocal contributor during sessions, he is notoriously camera shy. Since their launch in 2017, Gerhard’s team in Cape Town has flourished.
EMI hikers pose on frozen Emerald Lake at over 10,000 feet above sea level.
Uganda Director Phil Greene enjoys the Rocky Mountain view through borrowed ski goggles.
There are several taffy shops in Estes Park, but only one is truly vintage. 87 years is a long time to stay in business, a very long time to keep the antique taffy pulling and wrapping machines running. Graham & I split a sack: Sea salt caramel — currently most popular, and cinnamon — most popular for the 82 years prior.
Elk show their opinion of car and pedestrian traffic in Estes Park.
Greg Young, EMI Canada’s Director of 12 years, makes a comment during one of the conference sessions.
And here I am talking with my hands and making a wonderful mess on the screen. With a half hour before lunch and then a second half hour after lunch, I tried to keep things exciting. Photo by Graham Frank.
Basking comfortably while listening to a conversation, Gerhard and Clarke swiveled their heads as if watching a tennis match.
I don’t enjoy staging group photos but it must be done and I got lucky this time.
March, 2022. All photography by author, unless noted.
