My first Annual PTG Convention was in 1978 in Cincinnati. Since then, the only one I've missed was in 2001. I'm now 81 years old with over 50 years of experience as a piano tuner/technician. Every year I attend I'm amazed at the variety and level of classes offered. In the past, I would go to classes just to see what the instructor had to say on a topic I could teach.
But I want to tell you, this year is different. There are new classes on topics I've never seen before. Even though I'm simi retired, I'm looking forward to attending this year's convention. I wish I was 30 years younger and could learn new and exciting techniques.
As the old adage says, there is a difference between 30 years of experience and one year of experience repeated 30 years. That is why we go to chapter meeting and attend seminars and conventions. We constantly need to make sure that what we are doing is the right thing.
I once saw a sign in a store window: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch". To put it more positively: "If you want to run with the big dogs, you've got to get off the porch." Relating this to our business, if you want to become a sought after and respected piano technician in your area, you've got to get off your "porch" and increase your knowledge of piano technology.
If you've never been, or if it's been a long time, "get off the porch" and take advantage of all the new and exciting classes that are offered at this year's convention.
Wim
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Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
St. Augustine, FL 32095
Wim@Tnrwim.com------------------------------