Conference Days: Teach, Coach, Eat, Repeat

A hearty breakfast is a fitting way to start another jam-packed day of conference happenings. Our second day's kick-off was no slouch: the fresh fruit, crisp bacon, biscuits and gravy, made-to-order waffles and steaming cups of local pre-eminent Roasterie joe was good fortification for a day of mental stimulation.

 Roasterie coffee would come into play as the star of a later break as well (I got to visit Roasterie's HQ to assist in picking up goods for this break; I'll blog about that field trip of awesomeness soon).  Scones, coffee cakes and some seriously amazing French macaroons (red velvet, mocha fudge and my favorite, lemon thyme) courtesy of the Woodcliff's pastry chef Rodney were served up with assorted Roasterie coffees.  Lunch featured assorted salad selections, housemade lavosh crackers, a rich potato beer cheese soup and mini-cheesecakes and carrot cake cupcakes.  

Indeed, the day was filled with information from various origins and one of the most motivational hours of the day was provided by Gregg Williams, defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams.  Mr. Williams (pictured below at right) is a native of Excelsior Springs and a long-time friend of the Elms as he hosts his annual charity golf tournament here.  Mr. Williams is an intense individual, an electric speaker and a seriously motivational coach.  It was a fascinating session.  The afternoon would be rounded out by a game-show take on the Newlywed Game that brought much hilarity to the afternoon, not least of which provided by our Fearless Leader Mr. Spoto rocking the 70's game show host look. The highlight for me, though,was the win the Elms team of Eric and Tom notched.

I realize now that the evening's awards dinner was such a brilliant culmination of the conference, that it needs its own post, so stay tuned....