“Don’t miss Chapter Exchange!” were the very first words I heard when I registered for my inaugural Payroll Congress more than 20 years ago in Orlando, Florida. Newly CPP certified (my former boss challenged me to get certified also but maybe that’s for another blog post!) and feeling pretty proud of myself, I knew attending Congress was a big deal—but beyond that, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. I was attending as a “red‑dotter,” had only recently joined the Baltimore Chapter (now Charm City Chapter), and was equal parts excited and nervous. Armed with my Congress lanyard, and a healthy dose of curiosity, I braved the sea of people and tip‑toed into a room labeled Chapter Exchange.
What I found was something I never expected. I walked in wide‑eyed, cautiously joined a conversation, and within minutes felt like I belonged. The room filled quickly, buzzing with energy, laughter, and genuine connection. You could feel the camaraderie, witness joyful reunions of old friends, and see new relationships forming in real time. People were also buzzing about the chapter contest winners which I knew nothing about at the time.
Somewhere between the handshakes and conversations, it hit me—I had found my payroll family. From that moment on, I was hooked. I quietly promised myself I would remain involved with my local chapter in whatever way I could, wherever life took me.
Fast‑forward to today, and Chapter Exchange is still one of the highlights of Payroll Congress for me. Now, instead of nervously slipping into the room, I look forward to welcoming those “red‑dotters” myself—making sure they feel that same sense of belonging I experienced all those years ago. I still get energized walking into that room, inspired by the conversations, the passion, and yes, the hugs from payroll friends I’ve made over the past two decades. There’s nothing quite like seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, and spotting a few payroll “celebrities” along the way.
Serving PAYO—as a Chapter President and a Board of Advisor for Region 2—has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Helping chapters grow and succeed, especially across the upper Midwest, has been both an honor and a joy. And to think, it all started with my former boss giving me the opportunity to attend Payroll Congress and saying three simple words: Don’t miss Chapter Exchange.
This year’s Chapter Exchange Reception and Awards, sponsored by Corpay, will take place on Monday, May 11 from 5:00–6:30 p.m., immediately following the #Get Social event from 4:15–5:00 p.m. We hope to see you there! 
Robin Davis, CPP is a Director of Payroll Operations in North Carolina. She has been a PAYO member since 2009 and a Certified Payroll Professional since 2000. She serves in multiple PAYO committees including the Social Networking Committee, National Speakers Bureau, Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force (SPLTF) Educational Institutions Subcommittee, Government Relations Task Force (GRTF) Garnishments Subcommittee, and GRTF Electronic Payments Subcommittee. She currently serves as President for the Bay to Gulf Chapter and is Board of Advisor.
