Where Everybody Came to Listen and Learn at the Page Society's Annual Conference 2000.

The spacious lobby and conference floor at Charleston Place were awash with Page Society members and guests -- 142 in all -- who had registered for the 17th Annual Conference of what is arguably the premier public relations organization of its kind. A five-star hotel seemed an appropriate setting for an all-star meeting that was about to unfold.

In their program note to conferees, the co-chairs for the meeting, Ron Culp and Matt Gonring, spelled out their vision of what this Annual Conference was all about.

"Never has the need for effective listening been so crucial. Yet, the flow of information comes to us with such velocity that our ability to hear everything we need is being challenged every minute of the day.

"Being able to decipher the correct balance of information required in our organizations today could lead to opportunities and help avoid tomorrow's PR crises.

"Our conference program will give you perspectives on listening from the CEO's office, the media, consumers and youth. The avalanche of new listening opportunities created by the e-world also will be explored fully.

"We look forward to your active participation and listening."

The membership responded in kind: They participated, although perhaps not as much as some would have preferred -- the Q&A sessions nearly always being shorter than planned. But listen they did. And if the evaluations are honest, they got their money's worth.

Opening night, as it always is at Page Annual Conferences, was special. Two receptions, one for new members, the other for all members, kicked off the conference. In the reception area, members were able to preview a major exhibit on public relations. Created by The History Factory, a Washington, DC-based corporate archival company, "The Power of a Story: A Living History of Public Relations" chronicles the individuals and events that have shaped the profession. Arthur W. Page, of course, figures prominently in the multi-paneled display. But so do other Page Society members, a reminder of how many of our own have influenced the development of the profession.

Sunday's dinner began with the traditional Jefferson Toast by President Jim Murphy and the introduction of guests and new members. This time, the new members didn't get off with a wave to the crowd or a simple recitation of their name, rank and serial number. They were instead asked to give an example of how listening has at some point made a difference in their lives. There answers were short, sweet, succinct, insightful, and more often than not, hilarious. As Ron Culp said later, they set the stage beautifully for what was to follow.

So on with the show.