Each year, as the annual CSI convention approaches, I can't help but think back to other conventions. I haven't been to all of them since I became a member in 1987, but I haven't missed too many, either. I suppose you could say they're all the same, and in many respects, they are, but each has its unique experiences. My first convention was in Chicago, in 1990; more on that later. The second was in San Diego, in 1991. I had never been to California before, and I discovered why everyone wants to live there. My third convention was in San Francisco, in 1994. It was the first time I brought my family along, and since then, my wife has gone each time, and one or both of our children - and their spouses - made it to a few more.
Many of today's CSI members missed the good old days. The education sessions and exhibit hall are much the same, but there were a lot more extracurricular activities many years ago. I'm going to reminisce about a couple of my early conventions, starting with Chicago.
The year was 1990. The Institute president was S. Steve Blumenthal. The president of the host chapter was Gary Betts, who later went on to be president of the Institute.
