IN 2017 , WE CAME TOGETHER as one to lift each other and support our Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas family after the horrific shooting that took place a few weeks before the ISPA Conference & Expo . In a matter of moments , the lives of so many were forever changed .

I vividly remember the morning I heard the news . I was driving home from St . Louis after helping Michael Tompkins with his art festival , St . Art , which he created to help heal and bridge the racial divide in St . Louis . That is where I first met Star Swain , Pacia Elaine , fnnch , Richard Blanco and countless other amazing artists . We were blessed to have Star sing her song “ Together As One ” on our opening day of # ISPA2017 , and that helped set the tone for a memorable event filled with strength and love .

With everything we have experienced in 2020 , I was once again drawn to Star ’ s incredible voice and the inspirational lyrics of her song . Change often comes in an instant , and it ’ s how we move forward that shapes the future . As we reflect back on 2020 , my hope for each of us , our industry and our world is that we remember the powerful words we heard that day and trust that we are all unique in our own ways and beliefs but we can :

Stand strong , we can be together as one and love ’ s the way we all overcome .

— LYNNE McNEES , ISPA PRESIDENT

CONNECT WITH ME ON FACEBOOK ! Lynne Walker McNees

68 PULSE ^■ OCTOBER 2020