Update on Connect 2012

Connect 2012, the IACAC Annual Conference is coming together piece by piece. Through a dedicated list of volunteers, the Annual Conference committee is putting together a conference that will not only provide you with many educational opportunities, but will allow you to make many different connections. 

Be sure to visit the Conference website for all of the updates regarding registration, sessions, and exhibitor information. Learn more about how you can get involved, such as becoming a sponsor or advertiser, giving back through Project Reach or even giving of your time as a conference volunteer. IACAC is only as strong as its members, so please take part in these opportunities to continue the momentum.

To take advantage of all at the conference offers, you simply need to do the 3 “R’s.”

REGISTER
Registration is now open Everyone who is registered by March 30th will be entered into an early drawing to be considered for either basket raffle tickets (there are going to be some amazing baskets again this year or for a pair of Opening Weekend tickets in St. Louis, MO for the St Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs on Saturday, April 14, 2012.  This is a special day for those in red as the Cardinal World Series Celebration will be held on this day.  Register early and take advantage of your chance to win.

RESERVE
Reserve your rooms now Hotel reservations are open and you can reserve your rooms for the conference now. The conference rate is being offered beginning Tuesday, May 1, 2012. 

READ
Continue reading below for some highlights of Connect 2012 and for the latest information, be sure to visit the conference website as well as future issues of The Admissions Essay.

IACAC Welcomes…
IACAC welcomes Brad Karsh as the 2012 Keynote speaker. From who to target and how to approach them, you leave this presentation with an incredibly specific plan of attack on networking and making connections.

IACAC also welcomes NACAC Board of Directors member, Fran Cubberley. Fran is Vice President for Enrollment Management at Delaware County Community College in Media, Pennsylvania, where she has worked since 1995.  In her current position, she oversees Admissions and Enrollment Services, Career Re-entry Programs, Financial Aid, International Student Services, Student Employment and Co-op, Student Records, the Workforce Entry Center, and a newly created Customer Service organization. 

Sessions, and More Sessions…
Thanks to everyone who submitted session proposals for this year’s conference. This year, we will be offering 56 conference sessions (more than ever before).  The sessions will not only connect us with our colleagues, but connect us with information that will help us help our students.  Session topics will offer something for everyone-recruitment, net price calculator updates, transfer students, the common application, undocumented students, marketing, student athletes, social media, and MUCH MORE. Complete session schedule and descriptions (PDF)

Conference Program Advertising and Sponsorships
Advertise your college or program in the conference program to send your message to our 800 conference attendees for as little as $200. This year for the first time, the inside front and back program covers are also available, but you need to hurry if you want either of those. Program advertising options

Be a conference sponsor! This year, co-sponsorships start for as little as $250, so there’s something for everyone: keynote speaker, Project Reach recipients’ conference fees, and meals. Show your support for IACAC and get recognition for your college at the same time. Some of these opportunities are already taken, so act quickly and claim your sponsorship now!

Also, be sure to check out the conference website for a complete listing of our exhibitors. A special thanks in advance to all exhibitors, sponsors, and advertisers. Your resources allow IACAC to continue to provide a quality professional development opportunity. 

Continuing to Reach Out…
Project Reach is IACAC’s service project. We hope to touch the lives of many students by collecting and donating school supplies and college counseling items to a high school (or high schools) in need. The recipient of this year’s award will be announced at the conference. Nominate a school/school district in need or donate supplies

Calling all donations & gift baskets! Your donation is the missing piece.
Each year, IACAC holds a silent auction during conference to help raise funds to support our educational programs. We are now accepting donation items, gift cards and gift baskets for the silent auction to support our efforts! Don’t miss the deadline for submission: April 13.

Need resources for conference? Apply for a grant
A limited number of full and partial grants will be awarded for registration and hotel expenses. While the priority deadline has already passed, the final deadline is March 15. Apply for a grant

Stay tuned to The Admissions Essay for more updates on the Annual Conference, an event you won’t want to miss. There are fewer than 100 days until we Connect.

Todd Burrell
IACAC President-Elect and Annual Conference Chair
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville