Personally, this conference solidified what I have felt about CPN for a while: CPN stands apart from other professional organizations. After my fourth consecutive Constructivist Psychology Network (CPN) conference, I have come to realize that these conferences just keep getting better and better. Not only have I come to crave the intellectual stimulation from the conference presentations, but the relationships that I have formed through this network have become fulfilling and precious. CPN conferences are now among the most eagerly anticipated events of my life.

I would like to extend a warm offer of thanks to this year’s conference coordinators. Marie Hoskins (conference coordinator), along with conference committee members Marla Buchanan, Jay Efran, Anne Marshall, Janet Newbury, Blythe Sheppard and Jennifer White, created a truly special conference atmosphere. The University of Victoria was charming and picturesque, the presentations had a rich quality, and the conversation throughout the conference was stimulating. The keynote addresses by Ken Gergen, “The Multiple Challenges of Multi-Being,” and Mary Gergen, “Narratives of Nature,” were thought-provoking and capturing. Mary kicked off the conference by offering a multitude of perspectives regarding the natural world and Ken challenged us all to realize the extent of the possibilities that reside within us all.

Only in CPN can you walk into a midday talk and see the presenter (Cole Little) dressed up like Wonder Woman for an empowering and thoughtful talk on mentoring. I wish I had a picture of her in that moment to share with you. What great freedom this community offers to allow presenters and members of the audience to feel so comfortable that they can be themselves. Jonea Paytner did just that when she captured the hearts of everyone at her talk by first kicking off her shoes to allow herself to feel completely comfortable and asking someone in the 2nd row to take a picture during her talk to send to her mother in Bermuda. Jonea ended her presentation with a video of Bermudan Gombey dancers, leaving us all feeling inspired and rejuvenated by her energy and spirit. Talks given by Chad Hybarger and Louis Alloro had conference attendees buzzing for days about the fresh ideas and perspectives they offered. These are just a few examples of some of the newest faces of CPN and they are far from unnoticed. They represent the future of CPN and I am personally proud to be a part of a community that values the ideas of students, psychologists, and newcomers.

Some of us were lucky enough to venture out and take advantage of Victoria’s sites, such as Craigdarroch Castle, Hatley Castle, the Under Sea Garden Aquarium, the breathtaking Butchart Gardens, the uniquely lit Parliament Building, the striking Empress Hotel and the boat filled harbor nestled in beautiful downtown Victoria. Although, perhaps the biggest surprise of the conference (outside of the wonderful presentations) was the abundance of adorable bunnies littering the entire university campus. You couldn’t help but notice them whenever walking between buildings.

The banquet was as delightful as ever. Eight of Larry Leitner’s students were called to the front of the room as Sara Bridges (President of CPN) and Jon Raskin (Past President of CPN) presented him with the George Kelly Award. We were treated to tidbits about Larry’s life that many of us found surprising. Did you know that he left a job as a crop duster to pursue his current path? Ken Gergen was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and gave a sentimental acceptance speech that moved nearly everyone in the room to tears. Jan Gelech was announced as the student paper award winner for her paper entitled "Two Steps Forward and One Step Back: A Look at Discourses of Gain and Loss in Acquired Brain Injury Narratives." After the awards, Jay Efran captivated the audience (once again) with his magic show and the evening ended with a serenade by Richard Watts who was playing piano in a side room. Before we knew it, we were all singing along to "American Pie," "The Piano Man," and James Taylor. It was a truly poignant metaphor of the collaboration and sharing that had taken place over those unforgettable three days. What a wonderful way to end this amazing conference.

There is just something special and unique about the CPN community that captures you and never lets go! CPN is more than just an organization – it’s like a family! It is a community that fosters growth, acceptance, respect, and freedom to explore your inner self and the world around us.

I can’t wait to see what is in store for us at the next CPN conference in 2010: Niagara Falls, here we come!