We’re now less than a month away from Annual Convention. It’s hard to believe.

While the past year has flown by, it’s also been highly significant. That’s because ELFA is currently embarking on one of the most ambitious strategic agendas in its history. From advocacy and research to networking and education, we’re moving from strategy to execution— and positioning ourselves for growth.

Over the past year, we made a series of notable investments, brought in new talent, and leaned into strategic opportunities. As a result, we were able to make important advances. We secured historic permanent tax-policy wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill and put victory within reach on Section 1071. We enhanced our education, training, and research capabilities. We also successfully rolled out the next evolution of our workforce initiatives and launched the Power of People Summit.

Those are just a few of the highlights, though I’d like to add one more. If you attended the Power of People Summit or the Innovation Lab Conference & Exhibition (see writeups for both in this issue) or really any ELFA events this year, then you already know: we significantly upgraded our event experiences as well, with a new look, feel, and value proposition for every attendee.

You’ll see that upgrade in effect at Annual Convention too. It will be a time for us to gather, reflect, and have a little fun. It’s also where we’ll pass the baton from one Board Chair to the next. Our current Chair, James Cress, has been a critical partner to me, a key player in this evolution, and a champion for his twin goals of investing in advocacy and people. Check out the Executive Perspective column for James’ reflections on how far we’ve come and his successors’ thoughts—incoming Chair Deb Baker and First Vice-Chair Nate Gibbons—on how to build on that momentum.

Momentum, after all, is the theme of our convention this year. It’s fitting. And I hope to see you there on Marco Island.