DETC Fall Workshop
October 18-20, 2009
The Naples Grande Beach Resort * Naples, FL
More than 100 people gathered to learn, share, and network at the 2009 DETC Fall Workshop October 18-20 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida.
Attendees experienced two days packed with engaging, informative sessions, including a panel presentation on Internet marketing (with representatives from Apollo Group, Education Management LLC, and Google) and a session explaining just what to do with your Twitter account.
The 106 Workshop attendees also worked together to develop and refine their media interview skills, learned about online orientation programs for adult learners, and toured a model site-visit room to see some tips on preparing effectively for an on-site visit.
“This DETC Workshop was excellent, exceeded our expectations and definitely raised the bar in terms of offering timely, relevant content and highly expert presenters,” said DETC Executive Director, Michael P. Lambert. “And the enthusiasm of attendees for small group interactive sessions suggests that future DETC meetings will include more opportunities for attendees to learn from each other.”
In addition, the Fall Workshop featured the debut of several new ways for attendees to connect with DETC, session presenters, and with each other.
The meeting Web site was substantially revamped and expanded for the Fall Workshop. In addition to registering online and reserving a hotel room, the Web site had an interactive map with directions to the hotel, an online copy of the Program, and contained information for speakers, attendees, and exhibitors.
During the meeting, the online Workshop Program featured biographical information for presenters, downloadable presentations and session handouts, and online session evaluations. Attendees could even get a sneak peek at the menus for lunch and dinner!
Workshop attendees with Twitter accounts could follow @DETCMeetings for instant updates during the Fall Workshop, and the hashtag #DETCWorkshop let users search for a real-time flow of Workshop tweets. For attendees without Twitter accounts, a flat-screen monitor at the registration desk displayed a loop of tweets from meeting attendees using the #DETCWorkshop hashtag.
But not all of the Workshop’s new features were online. The Workshop also marked the debut of the DETC’s Meeting Mentoring program.
The program, designed to help make new attendees feel more at ease, paired experienced DETC meeting goers with first-time meeting attendees. The program gave first-time meeting attendees the opportunity to meet and learn from an experienced DETC member, and have a friendly contact to talk to and ask questions of throughout the workshop. Mentors gained the opportunity of meeting new colleagues and sharing their expertise.
The learning doesn’t stop just because the meeting is over. Interested in reviewing a presentation, or getting a copy of some handouts? Both are available online, by visiting the Workshop Program page of the meeting Web site. Looking to connect with other attendees? A final version of the Workshop registration list also is available.
Photos from the Fall Workshop can be viewed on the DETC’s Facebook page and soon will be available on the DETC Fall Workshop Web site.
Mark your calendars and save the date for DETC’s 84th Annual Conference, taking place April 11-13, 2010 at the L’Auberge del Mar in Del Mar, CA.
Rooms for this Del Mar hotel, perched near a cliff overlooking the Pacific, will sell out quickly. Do not wait too long to make your reservations, the Annual Conference is one meeting you will not want to miss!
Anyone interested in presenting at the Annual Conference should send information (Title, Speaker, etc.) and a one-paragraph description of their proposed session to Rob Chalifoux by December 1st, 2009.
Questions?
Please contact Robert Chalifoux, DETC’s Director of Meetings and Publications, via phone (202-234-5100, ext. 104) or e-mail (rob@detc.org) with any questions.
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