President’s Message: May 2026

by Doug Seidel

Thank you!

Thank you everyone that came out for the JAG Conference. It is always refreshing to see everyone enjoying themselves over the two days.

• Thanks to our sponsors for their support. We could not do this without you.
• Thanks to all our vendors. We appreciate the time it takes to set up your booths and spend the day with us.
• Thanks to Conner and the JAG Awards Committee for an entertaining show.
• Thanks to Bob Duthaler, Rich Desimone and the JAG Conference Committee for all your hard work pulling off another great event.
• Congratulations to everyone that walked away with a JAG award.

What is next?

While everything is fresh and the adrenaline is still flowing, now is the time to:

• Follow up and continue the conversations started at the conference:
• Follow up with the vendors, ask for your quotes, schedule demos or start your purchase orders.
• Didn’t win the award you were hoping for? Check out the videos made by your competition and make your plan to step up your game.
• Be sure to follow up with other stations. Find some time to go see their stations or shadow them during a production.

One of the best benefits you can use within JAG is the connections you make and the opportunity to learn from one another. Do you have ideas on what you would want more or less of at the conference? Throw your name in to join the JAG Conference Committee. There really is no better way to make improve it than by having more people involved. The same can be said for the JAG Awards Committee. A few more hands will only help the show run smoother.

Upcoming…

Both lunch sessions sparked great conversations. Watch our website for videos from the conference. We recorded both lunch sessions and the award ceremony, including the slides from our expert panelists. Also, coming up are sessions at the NJ League of Municipalities and webinars on ADA compliance and artificial intelligence.

Our next JAG meeting is virtual on June 24 (no need to leave the office). Join us online to continue these conversations and  help build our community. One last thank you to everyone. I am not a fan of public speaking, but you all were so encouraging, it truly made it much easier to stand on the stage. That really says volumes about what a great group we have in JAG!