RPx 2014 After Action Review. What are you taking home from the conference?

2014-08-17T01:20:19-04:00

So RPx 2014 is in the books and while it is a sad to have to say "See you later" to so many amazing people, I think we are all leaving Raleigh empowered, encouraged, and fired up to continued to improve RallyPoint to take this site to the next level.

Personally, there are defiantly things beyond the memories back home with me that will hopefully help me help not only those on this site but other Veterans I connect with. I'm truly thankful for the chance to have attend this conference and I hope I'm able to attend the one next year. There are some amazing things coming soon to the site and I'm excited where things go from here.

So my question is this, to those that were able to attend, what are you taking home with you to help those around you?

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Aug 17 at 2014 7:19 AM

2014-08-17T07:19:34-04:00

It was great to meet in person those that were previously only virtual acquaintances: LTC Yinon Weiss, SGT Ben Keen, Capt Brandon Charters, Lt Col Skip Fleshman, CPT Private RallyPoint Member, Meaghan Corson, MAJ George Hamilton, and a few others that I forgot.
More importantly, along with First Command's Lt Col Peter Whelan - it was great to honor SGT Private RallyPoint Member with the first annual Family Appreciation Grant from Project Sanctuary!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2014 9:57 AM

2014-08-17T09:57:43-04:00

SGT Keen,

I learned how to make Grog!

I finally got to meet many of the awesome people who make RallyPoint great. I also made new contacts and received career advice from a few highly experienced members. RPx was fun and enlightening, the guest speakers were knowledgeable, and the food and drinks were on point.

An AAR should have at least 3 "improves", but I've got nothing.

Response by LTC Dave Duffy made Aug 17 at 2014 10:29 AM

2014-08-17T10:29:29-04:00

I have not been active on Rallypoint, I attended RPx as I was in NC for work and saw it as a chance for potential networking and to corner a couple of the speakers on work related matters. I enjoyed the presentations and panels, any discussion on how to help with transition is worthwhile and I was glad to learn of growing programs beyond my ACAP experience 8 years ago. There is power in face to face networking, I thought the event demonstrated that potential. Couple of points of consideration for improvement though. I recommend adding discussion on small business ownership as all talk was about getting a job. SBO is perilous and wonderful with many pitfalls, so should be addressed. I also recommend adding discussion about trade schools as industrial welders are making a killing in North Dakota right now, more practical than debating about associate's vs bachelor's degrees being best for employment. Awards were funny but too many of them or at least serve dinner while presenting as took an hour to get through them all. Lastly, no reason to have a band during dinner as that is when some of the best conversation/networking takes place. Breaking bread and/or sharing a beverage is the best opportunity to connect. Unable to do that with "Celebration" blasting, reminding me of being at a bad wedding.

Thanks for hosting, hope to make the next one.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2014 1:26 PM

2014-08-17T13:26:32-04:00

Maybe a little more Cow bell next time.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2014 1:54 PM

2014-08-17T13:54:41-04:00

I would say that this was an awesome event. The panels were great and I walked away with life lessons learned from great men that served our country. It was good to finally see some of these people we interact with. Now when I read a post from a person I will mentally read it to myself in their. Just like when you read any quote from Morgan Freeman. I look forward to do this again. I hope I will be back in time for the next one.

I would just like to thank all of the members that were there that make the experience so great. Also, thanks for only making about 50 saluting jokes. It never gets old.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2014 6:34 PM

2014-08-17T18:34:22-04:00

Definitely a great and unique opportunity. I really had a great time and enjoyed meeting all the folks that attended. Apparently a lot of us need to change our profile pictures?!?!?!?!? LOL

Very good info that came form the panels, and an honor to meet those that spoke. The ability to actually finally talk to some people that before this event, we only knew from the online interactions.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Aug 17 at 2014 8:26 PM

2014-08-17T20:26:56-04:00

I have to say for an inaugural event it was very well done. It exceeded my expectations. The panels were great and very insightful. I would like to see much more. I think possibly a 2 day event or an earlier start to get out even more info and more speakers. I couldn't get enough of it.
I would also like more "networking" time as well. Had some amazing conversations and may have solved a few world problems.
Oh and the finger foods were great. Chocolate covered strawberries and Oreos? WHAT?
I think the Award ceremony was a lot of fun. I also think I could have done better. I do agree they should have started serving the food as soon as I got started. Felt like I was holding people's stomaches up a bit.
I also forgot to grab my wife and kids T shirts.
Oh and whoever's little girl that was dancing to the band up front, her parents need to get her under control. She was unstoppable.
One more....that is not how the song "Happy" goes. I was 10 seconds from grabbing the mic from him and taking over. My wife had to hold me back.
Did anyone else notice that the SFC soloist had about 20 service stripes on his uniform? They were about to touch his rank!
Cant wait for next year.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Aug 17 at 2014 8:31 PM

2014-08-17T20:31:18-04:00

One thing that I was surprised to hear was the value and emphasis that the panel members placed on books, writing, and on becoming published. Maybe RP will add a Peer Review tab in the future.
It was great to meet people and listen to some interesting leaders.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Aug 18 at 2014 9:59 AM

2014-08-18T09:59:38-04:00

Just thought I'd share a pic of what my desk looks like this beautiful Monday morning. Oh what is that new shiny thing next to my Mr. Burns action figure?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Aug 18 at 2014 1:01 PM

2014-08-18T13:01:09-04:00

Almost forgot....quote of the day from CPT Private RallyPoint Member "Do you even invade bro?"
You had to be there.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 18 at 2014 3:37 PM

2014-08-18T15:37:47-04:00

The fact that I need to be there next year! I so wanted to be there but my various schedules and time off just couldn't come together the way I wanted it to.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2014 2:30 AM

2014-08-19T02:30:25-04:00

While I wish I could have attended and there where some extenuating circumstances (getting married/ buying a house, nothing too big ya know), I think that possibly holding it more towards the middle of the country would make it easier for any of us who live OCONUS to attend. Travel to the east coast is almost pointless for less than a week due to the cost of it. Looks like everyone had a great time and I hope to see everyone at the next one. hopefully I won't be the only sailor haha.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 19 at 2014 10:42 AM

2014-08-19T10:42:34-04:00

I know there is a tread going already going on about those that used the LIVE STREAM to view the event but I think it would be great to hear from those of you that attended online and hear some more of your thoughts.