IECA’s annual Professional Member Retreat is held each winter. Attendance is limited to IECA Professional members and is particularly focused on the business needs of members with at least five years of experience in the profession.
IECA Professional Member Business Retreat
January 26-27, 2023
(Virtual)
Thanks to the 250+ IECA Professional members who joined us for the 2023 retreat! It was a great way to start of the year with colleagues in small group sessions on many timely topics affecting IECs. As a reminder, participants will have access to the content through February 15.
Schedule
All times are in Eastern (ET). The schedule is subject to change.
Click here to view the speaker biographies
Thursday, January 26
10:30–11:15 a.m. ET
Optional Coffee and Conversations
Note: These discussions will not be recorded.
CE: Not eligible
1. Ideas on Building Student Resumes to Make Impact
Discussion Leader: Sheree Gravely, IECA (OH)
2. How to Harness the Potential of ChatGPT and Other AI Tools in Our Practices
Discussion Leader: Cathy Costa, IECA (MA)
3. Sales Strategy & Lead Generation Ideas
Discussion Leaders: Shawn Berger, IECA (NY) and Liz Jackson, IECA (WI)
11:00–11:30 a.m. ET
Retreat Sponsor Spotlights
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
Welcome and Opening Speaker
Key Competencies of an Entrepreneurship Mindset
Rebecca White, Director Entrepreneurship Center, The University of Tampa w/ Q&A and Discussion
CE: 1.50
Successful innovators and entrepreneurs look at the world through an opportunity lens. They take action where others remain stuck. They are resilient and have a high degree of entrepreneurial self-efficacy. As a participant in this program, you will learn the three competencies of an entrepreneurial mindset and take away techniques for enhancing your business through this perspective.
1:15–2:45 p.m. ET
Learning Lab: Unique Selling Proposition & Marketing to the Clients You Want
with Q&A and Discussion
Victoria Sassine, Otis School of Business, Babson College and moderated by Ibrahim Firat, IECA (TX)
CE: 1.50
Recession Proof your Business: Optimize your customers. We love our clients, but some we may love a little more, some a little less. In this interactive session, learn how to financially segment your current customer base, and create strategies to strengthen your operations and attract the revenue streams you need.
Break
3:15–4:30 p.m. ET
‘One Great Idea’ Session 1
Moderated by Mark Sklarow
CE: 1.25
Break
4:45–6:00 p.m. ET
Breakouts
CE: 1.25
1. Creating Effective Systems
Lisa Bleich, IECA (NJ) w/ Q&A and Discussion
2. Women Entrepreneurs Having the Guts to Charge What the Market Says We Are Worth
Hanna Stotland, IECA (IL) w/Q&A and Discussion
3. Exit Strategies/Planning Retirement
Mark Sklarow, IECA; Helese Sandler, IECA (GA) w/ Q&A and Discussion
4. Work/Life/Mental Health Balance
Julia Gooding, IECA (ME) w/ Q&A Discussion
5. How to Adjust Business Practices for the Pandemic student and their Families
Cheryl Chamberlain, IECA (IL) w/ Q&A and Discussion
6:00–7:00 p.m. ET
Break & Sponsor Spotlights
7:00–7:45 p.m. ET
Cocktails and Conversations Discussion Groups
Note: These discussions will not be recorded.
CE: Not eligible
1. Setting Boundaries
Discussion Leader: Sandy Furth, IECA (CO)
2. How Does A.I. Provide Opportunities and Challenges for Our Businesses
Discussion Leader: Bob Carlton, IECA (TX)
3. Focusing on Less Selective Colleges, Yes or No?
Discussion Leader: Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski, IECA (CA)
4. Sharing Leadership Journey Stories: From New IEC to Successful Entrepreneur
Discussion Leader: Amy Morgenstern, IECA (CA)
5. The Future of our Profession in 5, 15, 25 Years: A Crystal Ball Discussion
Discussion Leader: Chris Bell, IECA (CO)
Friday, January 27 (all times are in Eastern (ET)
10:30–11:15 a.m. ET
Optional Coffee and Conversations
Note: These discussions will not be recorded.
CE: Not eligible
1. Changes to the Sales Funnel: Has COVID Changed Our Typical Recruitment and Sales Calendar?
Discussion Leader: Bob Carlton, IECA (TX)
2. How to Effectively Use social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Discussion Leaders: Gena Lester, IECA (TX)
3. How to Become an Active IECA Member & Volunteer
Discussion Leader: Vita Cohen, IECA (IL)
4. Supporting LGBTQIA2+ Students
Discussion Leader: Suzanne Lewis, IECA (AZ)
11:00–11:30 a.m. ET
Retreat Sponsor Spotlights
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. ET
Learning Lab: Legal Quandaries for IECs
with Q&A and Discussion
Giles Hertz, Associate Professor of Business Law and Entrepreneurship, University of Tampa
CE: 1.25
Being able to recognize legal issues before they become legal problems is an important skill set for any businessperson regardless of the age of their venture. This presentation will begin with a broad overview of topics often encountered by new and existing businesses looking to expand their current operations and revenue stream, followed by answers to the most valuable questions posed by Retreat registrants, including those on contracts, employment/contractors, and intellectual property.
1:00–2:15 p.m. ET
‘One Great Idea’ Session 2
Moderated by Mark Sklarow
CE: 1.25
Break
2:45–4:00 p.m. ET
Learning Labs
1. Alternate Revenue Streams: Charter/Independent Schools
Jenny Buyens, IECA (MN); Jess Chermak, IECA (CO); Sawyer Earwood, IECA (CO); Kate Malczewski, IECA (MN) w/ Q&A and Discussion
CE: 1.25
2. AI Software Helps College Consultants Level Up Their Business
Mark Cruver, IECA (GA) w/ Q&A and Discussion
CE: 1.25
4:15–5:00 p.m. ET
Cocktails and Conversations Discussion Groups
Note: These discussions will not be recorded.
CE: Not eligible
1. Different Models for Scaling the Business without sacrificing personal attention and quality (white glove service)
Discussion Leader: Stefanie Mauler, IECA (TX)
2. Neurodivergent Students and College Applications: What Is the Parents’ Role?
Discussion Leader: Eric Endlich, IECA (CA)
3. Working With Groups of Students as Opposed to One-on-One
Discussion Leader: Amy Jasper, IECA (VA)
4. When Supplemental Information Can Matter
Discussion Leader: Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski, IECA (CA)
5. Models of Practice Beyond Long-Term Packages and Hourly
Discussion Leader: Lisa Thomas, IECA (MN)
6. Expanding Beyond Undergrad into Graduate Consulting
Discussion Leader: Kate Hauser, IECA (BC, Canada)
5:15–6:15 p.m. ET
Special Event: Live Recording of EnFactor Entrepreneurship Podcast
Hosted and moderated by Rebecca White; featuring IECA members Jenny Buyens, IECA (MN) and Brooke Daly, IECA (NC)
CE: 1.00
Thanks to Our Retreat Sponsors!
