Impact of an IECA Conference: 3 Views
“Nothing supplants seeing and visiting”
Having been a member for nearly fifteen years, I am always amazed at the “take-aways” from IECA conferences. From the renewed connections
with colleagues I have known and worked with for some time to plugging into the energies of new members, I always get back on the plane ready to engage clients and increase my knowledge base! With so many tools at our disposal, the Internet, social media, and the rest, nothing supplants seeing and visiting with representatives from the colleges, schools, and programs. I am, additionally, impressed with the many initiatives underway by the association. No matter what one’s specialty, IECA continues to help define and bring increasing value to the field of independent educational consulting!
—Andrew Bryan, IECA (Idaho)
“Positive energy, spirit and enthusiasm”
Reflecting on the Dallas conference, many moments come to mind that, when combined, made this one of the
best yet! Although the format of the conference was similar to others, it was the sharing with colleagues that made this so special. Yes, we discussed our practices, the content of our work, and business practices, but also conversations of a personal nature. One that comes to mind is a talk I had with a member at our luncheon about our Steinways and musical backgrounds. Sure, many of us know each other’s names and see what we post online. However, putting our faces to all that is so valuable. The counselor round table discussions were a resounding success and just about everyone wants more with longer sessions. This was an opportunity to speak from the heart about specific issues in our practices and discuss our viewpoints along with a variety of solutions. Whether our fun and festive BBQ, the non-stop action in Conference Central, the enthusiastic IECA Foundation cookbook sellers wearing appropriate chef hats, or after hour chats with old and new friends, the Dallas conference was loaded with positive energy, spirit, and optimism. Thanks again to all who made this possible!
—Jeannie Borin, IECA (California)
“Felt as though we got 40 hours out of 24 each day”
Like a fine wine, the IECA conferences continue to improve each year. We are true life-long learners and love to absorb new information from so
many influential thought leaders. The schedule of events was so well paced that we felt as though we got 40 hours out of 24, each day. For example, we got double doses of learning starting with College Round Table discussions, breakouts, college and boarding school fairs, and lunch with positively enjoyable speakers as Christine Cashen, who taught us how to BOOGIE: “Be Outstanding Or Get Involved Elsewhere.” and we got the moves down pat. Chip did not realize that we had two Academy Award-winning actors in Joan Bress and Charlotte Klaar, who provided invaluable information as they role-played how to help students discover that they have a compelling college essay in them.
Our thoughts are filled with information about gender issues after listening to Dr. Leonard Sax (boys are no longer allowed to act as boys, girls’ world is the social media), and we’ve already shared some of that information with our families. The wrap-up Texas dinner enabled us to visit with friends and pick up hats and bandannas.
—Claire Law, IECA (South Carolina) Chip Law, IECA (South Carolina)
Related posts:
- At IECA Conferences, Education Shares Spotlight with Networking: 5 Rules for Success
- As We Conference Next Week, the World Looks a Little Different
- 1,300 IECA Conference Attendees to Mix Networking and Education
- Nearly 100 Presenters will Examine Hot Topics in College Admission, Boarding Schools, Special Purpose Programs & Independent Educational Consulting
- Attending the Dallas Conference…Virtually
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