Over the past 18 months I have been helping to prepare for the American Planning Association's 2009 national planning conference in Minneapolis. The conference, after 5 days ended today. It was a lot of work, but so much fun during it. I spent most of the past week up at the Minneapolis convention center, preparing for and the attending the conference.

It's amazing what 4,500 professionals in the city planning field look like in one spot. It's an amazing amount of knowledge and synergy. I met collegues from at least 13 other states, and had the opportunity to hear what is working in other places around the country.

In my professional career I have attended many conferences...but this one tops it all. While I am exhausted and am on information overload, I am glad that I not only had the opportunity to attend, but also to participate in the behind the scenes preparation.