No doubt, we continue to live through unprecedented and challenging times, largely defined by rapid and unrelenting change. That we are together this week—in person and virtually—is a testament to the incredibly industrious and dedicated staff and volunteer members.

In early 2020, we also adopted a mindset that enabled us to “find a way” during what is arguably the most difficult time that most of us have experienced. We became agile and flexible, we focused on our core values and on the safety of our community, and, in accordance with our Strategic Plan, we embraced innovation and change. As a result, we have been able to host Annual Meetings throughout the pandemic, be it fully virtual, Virtual+, or Live+, and we’ve kept our community whole.

This is no small feat, and we should not only be very thankful but also very proud. On behalf of all of us, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Annual Meeting Project Team, led by Co-Chairs Sergio Barragan (PepsiCo, Inc., Mexico) and Stacey Watson (Markery Law, USA). They have designed an educational program, with an impressive lineup of presenters, that directly speaks to the times we’re living through, in terms of both the myriad challenges and the many opportunities before us.

Thank you also to all those involved in planning the vast Business Development (BD), networking, and social events available this week, both in person and virtually. A key reason that we come to the Annual Meeting is to see one another, foster relationships, and do business. Perhaps more than ever before—and despite the circumstances—this Annual Meeting provides an incredible variety of BD activities, many of which take advantage of our host city and others that leverage state-of-the-art virtual meeting technology.

It is also important to recognize this year’s 100 sponsors and exhibitors. We value their generous support of our Association. Please pay it forward: show your support by visiting the Brand Marketplace in the Convention Center and the Brand Marketplace+ on the virtual platform.

Thanks to the INTA staff for their tremendous efforts, commitment, and ingenuity. We have no better example than this Annual Meeting of what they have accomplished over the past few years.

Finally, and on a personal level, thank you to all of you for participating in the 2022 Annual Meeting Live+. At the end of the day, it is your involvement in this event that ultimately makes it a success. Indeed, it is because we are a community that we are successful in our many endeavors.

We are fortunate to be together, and it is critical for our community that we come together, so let’s be thankful and enjoy this time. On this note, and on behalf of the INTA Board of Directors and staff, whether you have traveled to Washington, D.C., or are attending virtually, I wish you all a safe, productive, and enjoyable week.