Strength Through Diversity: Many Hands Making a Difference
By Mike Dunker
IACAC President-Elect and Annual Conference Chair
The 2013 IACAC Annual Conference is coming together very nicely. The theme for this year’s conference is “Strength Through Diversity: Many Hands Making a Difference.” The conference committee is working hard to bring you another outstanding conference, including many educational opportunities for all participants. Visit the conference web page to get updates regarding registration, sessions, conference schedule and exhibitor information.
Registration for conference is now open! Everyone who is registered by March 30th will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to a Chicago Cubs/St. Louis Cardinals game in St. Louis on June 19th. Register early and take advantage of your chance to win. The conference will once again be held at the Westin Chicago Northwest. You can reserve your room either on-line, or by calling the hotel at 630-773-4000, and asking for the IACAC block.
Sessions
Thanks to everyone who submitted session proposals for this year! Our Program Committee has selected 59 sessions for the conference. There will be sessions offered specifically for high school counselors, college admission professionals and retirees, as well as many sessions that will pertain to everyone.
IACAC Welcomes
The keynote speaker for this year’s conference will be Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz. Jacqueline is a first-generation college student who has risen from a young girl who spoke no English to the director of her own marketing firm. Jacqueline will debut her second book at conference. After her presentation, Jacqueline will do a book signing, donating $5 from each book sale to Project Reach.
IACAC also welcomes Joyce Smith to the conference. Joyce is the Chief Executive Officer of NACAC. Joyce will be in attendance all three days of conference; take a minute to introduce yourself to her.
Will Johnson from Fairfield University will be serving as moderator for the First Generation film on Friday morning. Will is also the Chairman of NACAC’s Inclusion, Access and Success Committee.
Advertising
There is still the opportunity for your school or organization to advertise in the conference program. For as little as $200, your institution will be advertise to the nearly 900 conference attendees. See the different advertising options that are available to you.
We give special thanks to the organizations and companies exhibiting at Conference, as their participation helps us continue to provide a quality professional development opportunity for all of our participants.
Project Reach
Project Reach is IACAC’s service project. Each year IACAC chooses a school as the recipient of school supplies that are collected throughout the year and at the annual conference. This year, in addition to school supplies, we will be donating all proceeds from the first annual Project Reach 5K. For only $20 a person, or $15 a person for a team of four, you can register for the race. You will receive a great t-shirt, the satisfaction of completing the race, and perhaps run into our keynote speaker as she joins our ranks for this great event.
Raffle & Gift Baskets
Each year IACAC holds a silent auction and raffle during conference to help raise funds to support our programs. We are now accepting donations, including gift cards and baskets, for the auction. Don’t miss the opportunity to help support IACAC. The deadline for submission is April 12th.
The tradition of selling 50/50 raffle tickets will continue throughout the conference. Keep your eyes open for the raffle committee ticket sellers and buy your tickets for a chance to win!
Don’t wait! Register now! This year’s conference promises to be another fantastic educational experience. See you there!