Photos of the San Francisco conference have been added to IECA’s Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38031500@N05/

Haight-Ashbury reception Friday night
IECA conference attendees enjoyed sporting their tie-dye shirts, peace signs, and tinted glasses for a step back to the Haight-Ashbury days…

Last night’s dinner was a fun way to kick-off the conference (although a full-day of workshops and campus tours took place earlier). Everyone seemed appreciative of the large space, ability to really talk, abundant seating, and terrific food. Several of the staff donned appropriate garb for the evening and somehow everyone commented that wearing a ball and chain seemed natural on me, somehow.

Posted by Mark Sklarow, IECA Executive Director

The School and College Fair is underway and the room is crowded but not overwhelming. Adding to the excitement is a four-person film crew from Canada doing some interviews for Doc Zone, a Canadian news show (think 60 Minutes). There’s also a book signing going on at the table for Wintergreen Orchard House and a new book being unveiled by Hundreds of Heads which features dozens of IECA Members’ comments, suggestions, and other “IECA Expert Advice” articles.

Posted by Mark Sklarow, IECA Executive Director

I just attended a session regarding Social Media and using it in one’s practice. It was an interesting breakout session, and there were several concerns regarding Facebook and other social media brought up by fellow attendees. The major concern seemed to be privacy issues, and the appropriateness of giving “opinions” in such a public manner. There was also discussion regarding “Tweeting” on Twitter while one is touring a college or sitting in a session. One consultant commented that it was a rude practice to “tweet”, another pointed out that there was no difference in “tweeting” and taking notes.  Both viewpoints have merit, in my opinion, as a former college professor I am used to students taking notes on paper or computer, but I have to admit I find it distracting when students are constantly texting while talking at the same time.  Technology takes some getting used to, and often technology takes directions that were not anticipated.  My opinion is one does not have to use social media, but we all need to keep up with the new technological trends.

Posted by Tam Warner Minton, IECA

I came early to take advantage of the pre-college tours and we saw an incredible range of schools! We had great admissions sessions with all the schools, but it was especially interesting to hear how Stanford and Berkeley evaluate applicants.

Special kudos go to Menlo College for their organic kitchen for students where we had a great lunch, to the College of St. Mary’s for best motto, “Come to Learn, Leave to Serve”, and to Santa Clara University for the most amazing roses I have seen or smelled in a long, long time!

posted by Becky Grappo, IECA

One of the things I have enjoyed most, since arriving in San Francisco, are the large number of Summer Training Institute Alumni who have come up to say hello. Many I have not seen for a couple of years! Welcome!

posted by Mark Sklarow, IECA Executive Director

As IECA grows and our member consultants become an ever-more integral part of the education community, exhibitors are paying attention. We have more exhibitors than ever before at the SF Conference, many offering special conference publications and discounts. As I write this, the Vendor area is alive with the sounds of dedicated professionals networking, learning, and sharing,  and we hope its a great four days for all.

posted by Mark Sklarow, IECA Executive Director

You never expect a big crowd when you open a conference at 8:30 a.m. since it requires attendees to come in a day early. Yet our two sessions this morning: “Sustainability of Independent Schools in the Recession” and “College Admission in the Current Economic Crisis” attracted more than 400 attendees.

In the College Session, Inside Higher Education’s Scott Jaschik gave an unvarnished look at what colleges are doing to save money including cutbacks in advising and other services. Right now a panel of college admission deans and directors are providing a detailed look at the nervous wait for May 1 decisions from incoming freshmen, longer wait lists, and increased requests for financial aid.

In the Schools session, NAIS’s Pat Bassett, as always, came prepared with statistics and survey results exploring application trends, donations, and much more, and at this hour Mark Mitchell is exploring school tuition and financial aid issues.

posted by Mark Sklarow, IECA Executive Director

Putting faces with the names I see every day on the IECA Talklist is a wonderful experience! The IECA optional member’s dinner took place in Chinatown last night, and it was, as always, well-organized and fun (not to mention yummy!). This is my third IECA conference, and I am looking forward to every moment of it. Of course, the lure of this great city is powerful, especially when the hotel and room overlooks the bay. Wednesday looks busy, some of my table-mates were going “on tour”, others, myself included, are attending pre-conference workshops.
Conversation at dinner was lively and interesting, there is nothing like “comparing notes” with colleagues! It is a true learning experience, and it is great to meet your online “friends” face to face.
I love San Francisco!

Posted by Tam Warner Minton, IECA