This year, the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Legislative Summit was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I had the privilege of going with a client to the event. It turns out there’s much more to Philadelphia than just Philly cheese steaks and the Liberty Bell.

During the three days we had there we went to sessions, walked the trade show floor and rubbed elbows with state legislators from all over the US.

The most interesting session had to be one on Consumer Credit and Getting Out of Debt. Credit and debit card use has exploded in recent years, creating a $960 billion industry. The panelists discussed new legislation designed to regulate the industry more tightly and the pitfalls of over-reaching regulation.

On the trade show floor you see booths for almost any group you can imagine, from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to the American Association for Nude Recreation. Who knew? (I did make sure I got a few brochures and some swag from that booth!)

Seriously though, the booths are always impressive, and it is fascinating to see what businesses and associations are doing to get their messages across to state legislators, many of whom will be voting on pieces of legislation that will affect their causes in some way during the upcoming legislative session.

At a time when the economy is the number one stressor for most businesses, it was exciting to be at an event where the mood was positive. I look forward to next year when NCSL will be holding their Legislative Summit in good ole’ Louisville, KY…