The International Drug Policy Reform conference has ended. I think all conference goers, including the DPA staff are exhausted. But it’s the kind of exhaustion that comes as the result of something good.
I was most impressed by what I’ll call “the in-between times.” These were the impromptu meetings, deals, reunions, interviews, meals, and exchanges that took place between or during the scheduled conference sessions. This was my third DPA conference, and I think there were more of these in-between times that any previous conference I’ve been to.
Our young allies at Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) were perhaps most active. These inspiring college students never stopped. Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) blanketed the venue with receptions and meet-and-greets.
There were several documentarians–many from overseas–conducting interviews in the public spaces of the conference. At times, walking between the exhibition booths and public areas was daunting. I was torn between saying hi to an old friend, checking out an exhibit, or just getting some sun out on the patio (something that many reformers from colder climates took ample advantage of).
These in-between times are just as valuable to the conference attendees as the scheduled conference sessions. I know the connections I made will aid me in my work for quite some time.
Posted by Clovis Thorn.
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