The Convention Hall - Tuesday

Our journey to the convention hall began with two networking events. The first event was a reception for health care groups providing Christina and I the opportunity to network with physicians, opthamologists, and more. We were able to talk with several individuals about the Grip and Grin campaign.

Next we ventured to a reception for Representative Dutch Ruppersberger from Maryland's 2nd district. At this event we were able to talk with Representative Ruppersberger about the issues important to OT and share our Grip and Grin campaign with him. We also had the opportunity to talk with Rep. Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota.

After the events we headed in the direction of the Pepsi Center to attend the evenings convention proceedings. Christina and I have become quite fond of the Pedicabs to get around downtown Denver. They are great rides and we have met some great people/drivers. When we arrived at the Pepsi Center we were greeted with a very long line (several hundred deep). We'd been walking from where our Pedicab driver, Matt, dropped us off at the security check point with some other individuals. When we approached the second security point (where the hundreds of people were in line) we evaluated the context of the environment and did what any adaptable occupational therapy practitioner would do, followed the group we were with to the short line. As it turns out we were with the Cincinnati Mayoral delegation. It provided a fun story for the blog :-)

Inside, the arena was packed. We heard from several democratic leaders, including Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas; former Virginia Governor Mark Warner running for a Virginia Senate seat in this election; and the Governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer. The the reason for the packed arena came to the stage. Hillary Clinton was welcomed by a group of energetic supporters and delivered the much anticipated speech of the convention.

After the convention proceedings our nighttime events were still ahead. We attended the Big Night Sky event hosted by the Montana delegation, providing us the opportunity to network with Governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer, and staff of Senator Max Baucus. Then we attended an event honoring 20 years of service by Tom Erickson, a DC political firm. Again our nighttime events allowed us ample opportunities to share the message of the Grip and Grin campaign and provide some tips on handshaking to candidates and Members of Congress. I also had the opportunity to provide some therapy tips to a couple Members who've developed tendinitis of the elbow due to campaigning. It just proves that in every room there is a need for our services in some way, shape, or form.

Overall, a successful day at getting the Occupational Therapy message out!