Okay. We have changed the theme of the 2009 Charleston Conference to NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION. Used to be “There’s a Whole Lotta Changing Going on”. But in reviewing the themes, I noticed that we had used the “change” theme in two other conferences – 1987 (Plus ca Change) and 2001 (The Trends They are A’Changing). And this year we have changes but also chances to invent new solutions to our issues/problems/world. NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION is from Plato’s Republic and since I am a Greek, it resonated with me.
Not to mention there are a lot of quotes that can build on that quote that seem relevant and may help in presentations. How about – “If necessity is the mother of invention, discontent is the father of progress;” (David Rockefeller) or “Necessity is the mother of taking chances;” (Mark Twain), “Necessity is the author of change;” (Tim Hansel) or “Discontent is the first necessity of progress.” (Thomas Edison)

Anyway, we already have nearly 30 requests for papers or presentations which have been sent from our website or sent directly to me or Beth or Leah. If you turned in a request that used the old theme, please do not worry. You don’t have to change. The Charleston Conference is nothing if not flexible and dynamic.