I’m off to Dearborn for Go Further with Ford 2012, the auto company’s annual trend conference. I went last year and had a ball. Came back enthused about all the ways that Ford is anticipating the needs and wishes of their customers, especially those of us who are midlife. Most marketers go for the youth market; Ford is wise enough to go for all markets.
Here’s what this year’s invite promised:
Ford Motor Company is glad you can join us for Go Further with Ford 2012, our annual trend conference that will look at the global trends and issues facing consumers now and into the future.
You will be joined by expert futurists and key trend spotters as well as Ford designers, engineers and scientists to explore what’s influencing consumers’ choices. From the changing landscape of urbanization to the psychology behind the latest environmental trends, Go Further with Ford 2012 will take you behind the scenes for in-depth discussions, interviews and an exclusive look at Ford’s innovative solutions for the future.
Even though I was the slowest person ’round the track, I had a fantastic time. I’m looking forward to this year too. Except…..
My first flight (Sac to LA) leaves at 6 a.m. The flight boards at 5:20 a.m. If I’m not there before 5:45 a.m., I’ll be left behind. Can I tell you how these times have been weighing on me? Really, really weighing on me. I can’t think of anything else but how I’m going to feel when the alarm goes off at 4 a.m. And how I’ll feel 12 or so hours later when I get to Dearborn. Dreadful, that’s how I’ll feel. Sick. Dopey. Totally unsocial.
This thing I have about not being able to get up early is not just some minor issue in my life. I have made any number of life decisions based on what time I’ll have to get up. Academic decisions, career decisions, vacation decisions, friend decisions–all have bent to my “Can’t get up early in the AM” mantra. I’m thinking there’s something not quite right about this. Something that maybe Mr. Freud would have an opinion about.
Perhaps I’ll think about that tomorrow. On the plane. If I can stay awake. And if I can’t stay awake, I hope I don’t drool.
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