Mack Academy Weblog

It feels good to mark off a large project like this as "completed." It's been an exhilarating 12 days in Manila, speaking to over 4,000+ attendees of the Beyond Planning: eProductivity Conference. In the course of the six day conference, I delivered over 30 sessions and even added an impromptu session on my day off. The 24 hour trip (door-to-door) home was made ever more challenging by spending it seated next to a 2 1/2 year OLD boy that screamed about his bottle all the way from the airport, onto the plane, and through U.S. Customs and baggage claim. I was delighted to help the frazzled mother with her bags and on her way. I don't know how she did it.

I enjoyed my stay in Manila; the people were most gracious and caring. On the last day, I even got a private tour of the countryside, including a trip to see the volcano. That was fun. The country and people of the Philippines are wonderful. At the same time, I'm glad to be heading home to see my family, which is why this sign was so welcoming to me...



The conference has required a lot of my attention for the past 8 weeks, time away from family, school, clients and friends. With the conference now behind me, I'm planning to unhook for a few days of R&R, then, when I've had an opportunity to review my notes and the photos from the media crew, I will blog about the conference.

But first, just a few words of thanks:


I want to thank Pastor David Sumrall for his vision and desire to inspire the people of Manila to grow beyond their present circumstances by learning to become more productive in all areas of home and work life.

I must also thank the people of Manila for having me as a guest to present this conference; it was a privilege and an honor. I was delighted to meet so many of you and overwhelmed with your generousity with the dinners, visits, gifts, and kinds words all week. I will not forget your kindness.

To the Eric Mack staff in Manila, at COP and KBF, and the media team - you did an awesome job. I'm delighted to have been able to serve with you. The conference success was truly a team effort!

To the David Allen company, Jason, Scott, Steve, Anthony and others that provided comments and content for distribution at the conference. Everyone was most excited to receive these materials.

To my advisory team around the world, that collaborated, providing feedback, constructive criticism, and last minute guidance at each step.

To my friend and colleague, Michael Sampson, for his expertise and tireless devotion to getting things done. This conference would not have been a success without his help. There were many days when Michael was revising content and slide decks as I was presenting.  Thank you, Michael.

And to my family, my champions, who sustained me both in prayer and with cards, Skype calls, and words of encouragement.

An most important, I want to express my gratitude to The Lord for His protection and provision, in so many ways that it would be hard to quantify.

If you attended the conference and would like to share your feedback, I would like to hear from you. The presentation links on the Beyond Planning: eProductivity Conference CD will be activated as soon as I recover.