Graham Thomas, a dear friend who used to own Macleod newsagency in the 1980s and joined my software company to train newsagents in the 1990s, used to tell me that the newsagency industry is like a fraternity. Thinking about the Connections conference yesterday I know Graham is right. Mates were re-connecting with each other, new friendships were started. Newsagents don’t often have an opportunity to collectively bond in such numbers. Being a one day event it is easier to get time away and realise you’re part of something pretty big.