But talk about the growth of the PTC event in Honolulu every January over the years and how that dovetails with the growth of digital infrastructure around the world generally.

Yeah, absolutely.

So just to remind everyone, and I think this is forgotten, is that PTC, we're a not-for-profit membership organization.

And so what that really means at the end of the day is, obviously, we drive revenues in different ways through the annual conference and programs throughout the year, but The benefit of that is we get to reinvest back into the industry.

And that's extremely important.

I think that's what our conversation and part of it is going to be about today, about advancing the industry in our respective ways.

But we've been very fortunate through a channel like the annual conference where we've been seeing the growth of the industry through the annual conference and through our programs.

What surprises can you reveal, if any? Like, is there a key theme that you're going to spend more time on this year versus other years?

A lot to unpack there.

So you're right.

It's not the most conventional path to coming to Honolulu, Hawaii.

I would say in terms of just where I was in my career about four years ago prior to joining PTC, I think from a life perspective, I had the fortunate opportunity when I was much younger to visit Hawaii many times.

And so just in terms of the location, Hawaii has always had a very special place in my heart.

And so that was certainly added to the list when deciding to join PTC.

I think in terms of the path to PTC and what made me say yes, I would say certainly it was the opportunity.

So what does a nearly 50-year-old organization need from its next leader? And what did you inherit that surprised you the most once you were actually inside? Well,

So PTC,

as we discussed, founded about 48 years ago.

So this coming January will be a 49th conference or meeting, but also the organization's birthday in a sense.

But the organization is technically a not-for-profit membership organization.

It was founded and it continues to be headquartered in Honolulu.

with a focus on the Pacific Rim originally, and it still is.

But one of the founders, Richard Barber, back in the day, basically, obviously way ahead of his time, said, There was a time when mainland United States was starting to talk about connecting to Asia through subsea cables and telecommunications processes.

so we've spoken earlier about what the next generation of leaders need in terms of their traits and characteristics so this might be something you've already covered but if you were to leave the industry tomorrow what traits and characteristics would your successor need to be successful in your role