Connect '23: Learning and Motivation Highlights From Day 2
May 09, 2023 by Anonym
Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, America’s first Black female combat pilot, pumps up the crowd at Tyler Connect '23. "FlyGirl" gave attendees "permission to engage" with their communities and embrace a leadership role.
For those seeking inspiration with their coffee, and some learning with their lunch, day two of Connect '23 was the place to be. Tyler’s largest-ever user conference featured a bevy of distinguished guest speakers alongside a packed schedule of training sessions, with some room to recharge sprinkled in as well.
Learning and Leadership at Connect
There were more than 700 classes on offer at Connect '23, including panels, roundtables, and lectures alongside more hands-on labs and workshops. Product-specific sessions offered detailed training and conversations with product owners and managers.
Attendees get some hands-on help from Tyler experts at Connect '23. More than 700 classes and labs were held over two and a half days, as well as one-on-one connection at the Solutions Hub.
Amber Brudelie was one of eight people from the city of Mankato, Minnesota, to attend Connect '23. They were focused on the training sessions and sent as many people as possible, so they wouldn’t miss a session or chance to connect at the Solutions Hub.
“There’s so many classes you want to attend,” Brudelie said. “I can get answers fast.”
Connect '23 attendees gather at the Payments & Cashiering kiosk for questions and conversation with Tyler team members. The Solutions Hub offered the opportunity for one-on-one conversations and hands-on demonstrations.
"FlyGirl" Gives Permission to Engage
Leading off the roster of thought-provoking guest speakers was keynote Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, America’s first Black female combat pilot.
Armour served two tours of duty in Iraq and also served as the diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Marine Corps Headquarters. She now brings her experience as a former police officer, pilot, and a Black gay woman and single mother to the private sector, where Armour serves on the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors, the COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council, and holds two honorary doctorates.
During an hourlong talk, Armour shared combat stories, struggles, and motivation for public sector employees who may feel as though they’re in combat sometimes – such is the pace of change in government, and our world, in the 2020s.
As Mike Tyson has said, Armour shared with a grin, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Or, later, in a more serious tone, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase to take the first step.”
Armour shared stories from combat, and its relevance to the work of public sector employees.
Public sector employees are the constant, Armour said; when elected officials come and go, those working every day for decades to ensure their communities have the best service and care make a big difference.
Embrace the responsibility as the daily driving force, she continued, and engage your fellow employees and community with energy and commitment.
“I know that’s easy to say and not always easy to do,” Armour said. “But at the end of the day the mission that we’re here for — our friends, our family, our community — are depending on us.”
Always Time for Fun
Between all of the hands-on learning sessions and inspiring guest speakers, there was time to take a break and have some fun at Connect '23.
The Wellness Lounge, featuring soothing music and foot and back massages was a popular destination, as were the Paws for Service therapy dogs roaming the event venue offering a furry smile to anyone needing a little extra boost.
Albert Chen, representing the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District in San Jose, California, made sure to stop by the Wellness Lounge between training sessions and time at the Solutions Hub.
“It was fantastic, one of the highlights so far,” he said. It was Chen’s first time at Connect in person after attending virtually in 2021, and he had been looking forward to the in-person perks like the lounge.
“It’s not like I’m stressed out (at Connect),” Chen continued, “but it was the icing on the cake.”
An attendee at Connect '23 receives a massage in the Wellness Lounge. The Lounge offered a calm, quiet, getaway with foot massagers, back massages, and well-deserved rest for attendees.
Attendees also participated in assembling kits for San Antonio nonprofit Haven for Hope, which provides a safe place to sleep, shower, and receive hot meals for around 1,700 people every day.
Connect '23 on Social
Social media remains the best place to stay constantly plugged in with Connect, as many attendees and Tyler team members know. Following Tyler Technologies and using the tag #TylerConnect is a great way to connect during and after the conference and to see highlights from throughout the week. Post and tag pictures of yourself, your team, or other sights around Connect to be featured in Tyler’s Connect '23 photo album on Facebook!
Connect '23 attendees unwind with a game of table tennis between classes, speakers, and time at the Solutions Hub. This year’s Connect offered a Wellness Lounge, games, and a scavenger hunt as relaxing breaks throughout the conference.