Those Were the Days

Thanks to the generosity (and quick eyes!) of one of our partners, we recently received a 1960s-era booklet detailing how to lead a successful conference. The 16-page guide reveals all sorts of gems. We laughed. We cringed. And, in some cases, we even nodded. After all, we may no longer live in the days of three-martini lunches and casual sexism, but starting a conference on time? Still good advice.

We wanted to share a few of our favorite pages. Some of the details make us shake our heads, but it's also humbling to recognize how some things in the project management industry haven't changed at all. And, we also know that in another 50 years, somebody is going to laugh at our to-do lists.

So, enjoy this flashback to project management ala "Mad Men." 

Good advice here. And, we'd like to think this sketch is a precursor to selfies.

Yes, pre-conference planning IS very important. Yes, we've looked like this guy before — (how many boxes can you safely carry from a vehicle to the registration table?!) And we are thankful that we don't have to bring ash trays and chalk to events anymore.

Again, this is all great advice. In fact, we use these tips whenever we need to facilitate a discussion or planning session for a project.

Ah, yes. Back in the good, ol' days when everyone of importance was named Bob. Or Jack. And war metaphors were applicable in almost any work environment. Still, it's going to be hard to get these sketches out of our minds next time we lead a meeting.

The cigar. Enough said.

How has your profession or industry changed in the last 50 years? How has it remained the same?