The California Moving & Storage Association’s 108th Annual Convention in Rancho Mirage was more than an annual gathering. It was a chance to reconnect, learn, and recognize the people who continue to strengthen California’s moving and storage industry.
The convention began with the Movers & Shakers Reception, a time to recognize and thank CMSA’s chapter presidents and trusted associate members who consistently support the association’s twelve chapters through local events, educational programs, and fundraisers.
Wednesday brought a full day of committee and board meetings covering insurance affairs, government affairs, military issues, and membership matters. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but these conversations shape advocacy efforts, influence policy, and help ensure our industry remains informed and represented.
Thursday balanced business with connection. Members participated in the annual golf tournament while exhibitors prepared for networking events and meetings. The day also included the second official convention meeting of Women on The Move.
Women on The Move was more than a networking session. It became a space for honest conversation and encouragement. Together, we worked through what I called the “Wall of Worry,” where attendees shared professional and personal worries, challenges, and limiting beliefs. We followed this with peer coaching and reframing before moving to our “Wall of Wows,” where participants shared appreciation, accomplishments, and self-celebration.
Perhaps there was something symbolic about the exercise. The sticky notes on the Wall of Worry stayed firmly attached, while the Wall of Wows kept blowing off the wall under the room’s overhead air vents.
Isn’t that sometimes how our industry feels?
With increasing diesel costs, rising insurance premiums, labor shortages, and changing regulations affecting our businesses, it can be easy to remain focused on the challenges while allowing the positives to drift into the background. But the positives deserve our attention too.
Our doors are still open. We continue to employ hardworking people and create opportunity. Technology keeps evolving, making parts of our work more manageable and connected. Customers return and tell others about our services. And together, we continue making progress to protect consumers while delivering outstanding work throughout California and beyond.
Friday’s General Business Session delivered informative programming, including a presentation on succession planning and updates from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services regarding regulatory developments and enforcement priorities.
Military relocation services remained an important focus throughout the convention. An interactive military panel and Saturday’s van line panel brought together industry leaders and service partners to discuss current challenges and opportunities affecting military and interstate moving services.
Saturday also celebrated the next generation and the charitable spirit that has long defined CMSA. Scholarship awards recognized deserving recipients, chapters highlighted their fundraising efforts and community contributions, and donations were presented to Special Olympics and the Alzheimer’s Association.
The convention concluded with the Chairman’s Reception and Dinner and the passing of the gavel from outgoing Chairwoman Jeanette Homan to me, a moment I will carry with deep gratitude.
Jeanette delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting her appreciation for the industry and the difficult year we have faced. One of the evening’s most meaningful moments for me was hearing my sister, Olga Garcia, introduce me to our colleagues and attendees. Celebrating this milestone alongside family and friends, including Fred Wallace who joined us for the evening, was both fulfilling and humbling.
I also left the convention with a new appreciation for the work happening behind the scenes. Our CMSA president Steve and his manager Gale, supported by a small team of convention helpers, coordinate board and committee agendas and content, speakers, presentations, food and beverage arrangements, and the countless logistics that make the convention possible.
By the time I reached my room Saturday night, I had a deeper appreciation for all of it.
Simply put, it is a lot.
And for that, I have nothing but gratitude.