Our NAEB-NE Fall Conference theme this year is “Teaming up for Success”, and it reminds me of a quote by Michael Noland: “There is somebody smarter than any of us, and that is all of us”.
NAEB-NE is all of “us” and when we come together at this and other program to combine our knowledge and talents, we all benefit. I have benefited from the wisdom of this group many times over and yet I must admit that I am still sometimes amazed with the level of sharing of time and resources that seems to come so naturally to this group. I believe that is what “teaming up for success is all about”.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to team up with other institutions and suppliers, and building better networks with our peers is just one of the many benefits available from NAEB-NE and the Fall Conference.
We all recognize that the times are very different for attendees and suppliers alike. There are greater demands, fewer resources and less time. The Fall Conference has also changed in response to your feedback and concerns. Our goal was to offer several full days of educational programming while minimizing the number of days out of the office. Through the hard work of the program committee, we achieved our goal. I hope you agree. I believe if you are motivated, there are lots of opportunities to gather knowledge in and out of sessions.
Whether you are a first time attendee or a veteran, here are a few time-tested tips to help make sure you get the most out of the conference.
- Be proactive and have discussion ideas ready to initiate conversation with others such as challenges you and your institution are currently facing.
- Be prepared to network everywhere at the conference at receptions, especially at meals and in the Vendor Exhibit Hall with suppliers and attendees.
- Spend your meal times with different attendees and suppliers each day and invite people to join you who you see are alone.
- Always wear or carry your conference badge and bring plenty of business cards with you.
- Take an active part in the “Mind Exchange” and carry your business card to exchange with conference attendees at your tables.
- Fill out the workshops evaluation form even if you have to leave early. Your feedback helps determine next year’s topics and speakers.
- If you are attending with more than one person from your school consider splitting up to cover more topics and to meet more people.
- Water coolers will be available throughout the conference consider bringing a cup or your NAEB NE water bottle to help us to keep the conference green.
- Consider volunteering at the conference, it is another way to meet and network with new people.
- Consider putting together a presentation of your own for the upcoming program year, it is a great way to share your experience.
- If you are not a NAEB-NE member, please go to our website www.naebnewengland.org and join it is a great educational value for only $35.
- Consider speaking to one of the board members about joining the board, it is a rewarding and educational experience.
- Most of all have fun!!!
In summary, knowing how to network and navigate the conference is important to you receiving the most from the conference that later may be of service to you and your institution.
Remember, every person you meet may be able to help you solve a current or future challenge, or may end up being a great personal friend. Well, at least that has been my experience with attending the conference!
I look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Jim Boyd
NAEB-NE President 2011