Super, Sweet Cincy Is Where You “Get” It

Lacy Ravencraft, TOCA Board President

As the first quarter of 2018 draws to a close (*gasp*) and we inch closer to the annual TOCA meeting in May, I thought I’d check in to see if you’re keeping Cincinnati top of mind. Hopefully you’ve already registered, but if not, let’s get to it!

You are busy people, so I’ll keep it brief with these three reasons to register:

 (1) Professional Development Bargain of the Year!

Honestly, where else can you get five educational sessions, informative industry related tours and a plethora of networking opportunities for the very reasonable price of $375?! You probably spend more than that on a trip to Costco or Sam’s Club.

(2) Sweet Cincy Hangs with Awesome Folks

One of the things I like about TOCA’s city selection for annual meetings is that it often takes me to a place that maybe wasn’t on my radar for a visit—and to this day, my experiences have all been positive! When you’re rallying with TOCA friends, though, the city almost doesn’t even matter. I think this group could find a good time just about anywhere. Whether you’re getting reacquainted with old friends or meeting new TOCA members, the culture is one that can’t be beat. I look forward to seeing you soon!

There’s plenty of fun haunts in Cincinnati, including Fountain Square, many local breweries, the Reds Great American Ballpark (fun even if it’s not your team, and a featured spot on this year’s TOCA tour), and of course, the legendary Ohio River. If you’ve seen (or dare-I-say-swam) in the Ohio River (I have—watch out for barges), you’d understand the irony.

Be sure to hit up some Cincinnati Chili while you’re in town—Skyline vs. Gold Star? Or perhaps Dixie Chili is your deal. How about a buckeye or two (bonus if homemade), or some scrumptious goetta? I’ll admit, I wasn’t a believer until I experienced first-hand the joys of these fine Cincy food treasures. Whether a 3-way, 4-way or 5-way is your jam (get your head out of the gutter), you can get your fill.

Good times ahead in Cincinnati, I swear! And if you’re looking for some local recommendations, hit up our friends at Focal Point Communications — Joe Schooner’s got all the top secret intel.

Roy Peter Clark engaging the TOCA attendees in 2017

(3) Refreshingly Familiar

One of the things I like best about TOCA’s annual meeting is that I get to be surrounded by people who get it. We’re in the same biz. We understand the professional landscape (terrible pun intended). We can talk shop and know the lingo. No one raises an eyebrow when I say I write about irrigation. I can say irrigation, and not sprinklers, and you get me. I can nerd out on soil science, KPIs or customer insights—you can, too! It’s so wildly refreshing to be able to speak with fellow green industry communicators who share the same celebrations and struggles. I am looking forward to it.

So grab that registration form and rally your peeps…before you get caught up in the daily flurry of activity. Book your reservations and travel early to avoid costly delays — we’re all trying to save some cash, right? Besides, it will get one thing off of your ginormous to-do list, so everyone wins.

Until next time, TOCA friends! Lead on…

Lacy Ravencraft