9/11 and Six Months Later
by Mary Ann Nixon
September 11th - a day none of us will forget. I was on my way to ICM. Most radio stations began providing coverage immediately after the first terrorist act. Although stunned and wondering what would happen next, I went on to my office where I kept the radio on.
All of our instructors were in class and scattered from the East Coast to the West Coast. Randy was in Boston. Ken was in Knoxville. Steve and Mark were in Seattle. Leo was in Sacramento. Vince had returned to the office after hearing the first report on his car radio and going home to watch the news unfold on television. Some instructors called in at about the time the status of all four planes were known and asked if they should excuse the class or keep going. Vince advised them to keep going as long as there was no further escalation. Each of the instructors continued with their Monday through Thursday schedules and completed the courses.
We were in final preparations for our annual conference to begin in San Diego in only 12 days (the 23rd). People began calling to see if we were cancelling the conference or any classes for which they were registered. Of over 200 registered for the conference, about 50 did have to cancel due to travel restrictions. Travel restrictions also forced many to reschedule their courses. I was amazed at how hard the majority tried to get their travel restrictions lifted. Only a few were successful.
I am very proud of how the instructors dealt with the situation. Each was confronted with a very emotionally-charged environment. Some took a break and provided students with time to contact relatives and friends. Some reconvened class with a prayer. By the end of the week, the chain of events had brought everyone closer together. Their return home was also an uncertainty. Some airports had not resumed flying. One instructor rented a car and drove to another airport. All instructors had made it home by Sunday.
Directive to ICM Staff
The following is from a directive given to our staff by Vince on the following Monday:
We are receiving many calls regarding the conference, class schedules and cancellations. Yes, our conference is on! Absolutely! As far as ICM activities and business travel are concerned, nothing has changed. It simply takes a little longer to get through the security checkpoints.
I am very proud of how our government agencies responded to last Tuesday. I am also very proud of how our instructors handled the situation, continued on with the classes and worked their way through the issues of getting home.
Six Months Later
Since September 11, 2001, we have not cancelled a course or an assessment. By January, 2002, course registrations had pretty much returned to normal. Some of those who had to miss the previous conference are already preparing for the September 22-25, 2002 conference in Denver.
Institute of Configuration Management Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5656 Tel: (480) 998-8600 Fax: (480) 998-8923 Email: info@icmhq.com