Edison, Bell, Carver, Ford. Names synonymous with ingenuity and perseverance. These people inspire me to listen to that small voice that guides and goads my intuition. That voice is rarely wrong, but my translation of intuition into action sometimes leads me to bite off a tad more than I can chew. Single-handedly covering the “Go Further with Ford” trend conference, scheduled for June 26–28, 2012, in Dearborn, Michigan, may be just such a time.

Through an odd, but fortunate, string of circumstances, I was contacted by a PR agent of the Ford Motor Co. She inquired if Quality Digest would be interested in interviewing Benny Fowler, group vice president at Ford. “Why, yes, ma’am,” I said. “We would indeed.” It turned out to be a great conversation (interview starts 7:20 into video), and I was impressed with Fowler’s apparent dedication and enthusiasm as well as his easy manner.

A few weeks later, I was again pleasantly surprised by the PR agent inquiring if I would like to attend the “Go Further with Ford” trend conference. My reply? “Why, yes ma’am, I would indeed.” Very much so, as a matter of fact.

Along with a trip through the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, there will be four presentations:
• ECO-Cycology
• Urbanization
• Streamline and Simplify
• Design in the Age of Aesthetics and Attention

Following the presentations we will have the opportunity to “create your own projects, from glassware to jewelry, with Ford and TechShop Detroit.” I don’t know what that means, but it sounds like fun; I’ll give it a whirl.

Last but not least, there will be “a unique driving experience at Ford’s Worldwide Proving Grounds” track. Now I don’t really want to drive their new cars around the track (yeah, right), but I’m willing to take one lap for the team. It’s the least I can do, but I shan’t enjoy myself. I promise.

If any of you are unaware that Quality Digest maintains a Twitter account, you'll find us @QualityDigest. I’ll be tweeting my heart out to keep everyone in the loop and maybe have some real-time fun. Just follow the #qdRyan and #gofurther hash tags on Twitter to stay up to speed on the fun and games as they unfold. (I’ve already posted updates using those tags.) The blue QD icon will still be there.

Earlier I stated that I wouldn’t enjoy myself, but I confess, if they pull out all the stops and produce a Ford GT at the track—I will enjoy myself immensely. I promise.