As we embark on an exciting journey of change and growth, IECA has been committed to providing unparalleled education and support to our members in the field of independent educational consulting. As we look forward to 2024 and beyond, I am thrilled to announce a significant shift in our conference format and numerous new initiatives that will elevate your experience as an IECA member.
A Bold Shift in Conference Format
Starting in 2024, IECA will transition from hosting two conferences a year (fall and spring) to a single, larger, and more impactful conference held in the spring. This decision was driven by our commitment to delivering the highest value and relevance to our members. Consolidating our conferences will enable us to focus our resources and efforts on creating a truly exceptional experience while ensuring specialty-driven programming is created to supplement your specific educational needs.
One Conference, Bigger and Better
The single annual conference will be a comprehensive event that is not just bigger, but better in every way. It will allow for more in-depth sessions and greater opportunities to learn, connect, and network with fellow IECs, schools, colleges, and programs. This consolidation will result in a more concentrated and dynamic gathering that fosters meaningful interactions, deeper engagement, and a more profound sense of community. Our 2023 fall conference in Tampa will serve as the last one of its kind within that time frame, while our next conference, in Connecticut from May 6-8, 2024, will serve as the new and first annual conference for IECA.
New Educational Programming
Those of you who are two-conference goers may feel the void—I hear you because I am one of you. You may ask yourself, “Will I be missing out on the opportunity to reconnect with my colleagues, learn, and network?” The answer is, “We thought about that!” We are excited to introduce an array of new educational programming that caters to your diverse needs and interests. Whether you specialize in college counseling, schools, therapeutic placements, graduate schools, or international education, we have curated specialized content for you. This programming will encompass in-person and virtual sessions, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your learning style and schedule. They may not be in the grandiose scale you’re used to from a national conference, but they will provide you with the educational depth and breadth and connection with fellow IECs, schools, colleges, and programs that you would experience in a conference setting.
Continuing to Excel in Education and Training
Rest assured that while we are introducing these changes, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence in education and training. Our focus on delivering high-quality, relevant, and up-to-date content will continue to be at the core of our mission and strategic plan. We understand the importance of staying at the forefront of industry trends, and our revamped conference will reflect this commitment.
Tailored Tours and Partnerships
In addition to our conference changes, we are thrilled to announce an innovative approach to tours. These tours will not only be organized by geography but will also be tailored to meet the specific demands and interests of our members. Depending on your specialty or sub-specialty, you will soon find designated tours for those specific needs.
Furthermore, IECA is actively pursuing new partnerships and collaborations with various institutions, both in person and virtual. These partnerships will pave the way for special educational programming that offers unique insights and opportunities for our members. These initiatives will provide you with access to the latest information and resources, ensuring that you are well-equipped to excel in your roles as IECs.
A Bright Future Ahead
As we embrace these changes and embark on this exciting journey, we do so with a profound sense of optimism and commitment to the continued growth and success of our profession. The IECA community is defined by its dedication, passion, and drive to make a positive impact on the lives of students and families. These changes reflect our unwavering commitment to providing you with the best resources, education, and support for your work as an IEC.
The transition to one annual conference, the introduction of specialized programming, tailored tours, and strategic partnerships herald an exciting era of growth and innovation for IECA. We are confident that these changes will elevate your experience as an IECA member and empower you to thrive in the ever-evolving field of independent educational consulting.
Together, we will continue to shape the future of independent educational consulting and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.
Ibrahim Firat, MBA
IECA President