2009 National Convention Blog : Convention

Finally, some pics!

chrisn — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:14:00 GMT

Here's a link to our Flickr page with a slideshow of the Convnention pictures...

Is This Really the End?

chrisn — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:46:00 GMT

Last year was my first time working at the National Convention and I remember how fast the days flew by. I thought that this year may go a little slower because I already knew what I was doing and could (sort of) anticipate what types of scenarios and situtations might come up. But I was wrong. This week has flown by and I can't believe that we're already on the last day of the Convention. For all of you who have performed, attended sessions, been at CAMP and put in some late nights, I'm sure the time has flown by for you as well. I was talking with an associate member yesterday who said he's been to several other conferences like this (not ours), but that he enjoyed the amount of activities and the full schedule that NACA has to offer at the Convention. I'd have to aggree. We do keep everyone busy, but I think there's a lot for everyone to experience.

Speaking of a full schedule, there is still one more day left (today), so I don't want to sound like all the fun is over! We still have educational offerings today, the career prepartion center is still open, mainstage showcases, a lunch with former TN. Representative Harlold Ford Jr., NBC Universal Stand-Up for Diversity, and of course CAMP. When I write it all out it sounds like there are four days left!

I know I said it last year, but it is kind of cool to know that after this Convention, schools will take what they've seen here and bring lecturers, artists and vendors to their campuses over the next year to entertain, inspire and just have fun. It's easy to see that they all care very much about doing what's best for their schools and booking associates that they feel will gel with their campus. On the other side, it's also good to see the business aspect of booking talent that the associates go through while at the Convention. All of our associate members work hard in their professions and strive to provide their best of what they do. That may be lectures, it may be caricatures, or music, dance, illusions or balloon animals. Whatever it is though, they bring everything they have to the Convention and show it off to crowds of students, and they do a good job of doing it.

Most people who show up to a campus event will never know how those groups got there or the time it took the campus activities board to set it all up. But everyone who attends our Conventions knows all the hard work that everyone has put into it, as well as all the fun we had making it happen.

Day 3

chrisn — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:26:00 GMT

Just in case some of you didn't know that Larry the Lboster was posting this week from the Convention, don't forget to check out his blog, Lobster Bisque.

Things are starting to slow down at the registration area; but once that happens, our registration table transforms into the information booth. It keeps us on our toes, trying to answer questions and pointing people in the right direction.

Yesterday, I saw a lot of students traveling up and down the steps of Opryland going to educational sessions. I'm glad to see people taking advantage of all the things that NACA has to offer at the Convention. One girl even told us that one of the sessions was so full they couldn't fit any more people in the room! Speaking of all the things NACA has to offer, I videotaped everyone getting on the buses last night to head downtown to Night On Nashville, and it looked liked a really good turnout. I was out there for about 1/2 hour and during that time I saw three or four full buses pull away and a whole lot more waiting in queue to take people.

Well, it's time for me to head back to the registration table, or information booth, or what is it!? I just need to get back to work.

More Convention Still to Come

chrisn — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:29:00 GMT

So last nights CAMP was really good. I met some cool associates near the NACA booth and we got some people to bid on the Foundation auction items. A quick word to all those schools and associates who donated this year... THANKS! We have some great sweatshirts, tshirts, DVDs, CDs, posters, etc. There are a lot of autographed items this year as well, which is really cool. And if you didn't get a chance to donate something this year, just contact someone from the NACA office and we'll make sure to get something from you next year! Speaking of which, I got the chance to meet Leon from the movie Cool Runnings last night... ah yeah! So I'm thinking that I might have to bid on that item and get it for a friend of mine who loves that movie.

Today will be another full day at the registration area, although things should be a lot quieter than yesturday. After my shif was done at the registration tbale yesterday, I seriosuly couldn't tell how long I'd been there or what time it was, it was pretty disorienting.

Tonight I'll be stopping by the Night On Nashville gigs to see what's going on. I'm looking forward to heading downtown and getting a glimpse of Nashville.

Check out my latest Convention updates on Twitter... www.twitter.com/thenaca

The First Day

chrisn — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:57:00 GMT

I'm always amazed how fast the time goes by when the Convention starts. I know it's only the first day, but it flew by. I was at the registration table most of the day checking in the Associate members and the next thing I knew I was already at the NACA booth in CAMP! It's great to see the variety of talented artists and speakers that NACA attracts, as well as all the entertainment companies at the Convention. By the way, don't forget to check out the next CAMP that starts tonight at 10:30.

I just set up a Twitter account so you can follow what's going on at the Convention from there as well. You can check us out at www.twitter.com/thenaca. Come follow us!

I was able to take a few minutes this evening and walk over to see the Convention kick-off. I'm glad I got over there; there were some awesome performances. Hopefully I'll be able to see some of the showcases in the coming days as well. The Convention always brings so much energy from the students and associates and I hope everyone's having a great and productive time!

Well, it's almost time for the next CAMP, I'll post more updates later!

Finally in Nashville

chrisn — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:39:00 GMT

So we've all finally arrived in Nashville today. I think all of the NACA staff are here after what was an interesting journey for some of us. Our IT manager, Adam, and I decided that the best way to get geared up for the Convention would be to drive from Columbia, SC to Nashville in a 16' box truck through the Smokey Mountains. With the truck full of programs, computers and other Convention equipment, we tackled the steep hills in the mountains and some unfortunate storms in Tennessee. There was a point on the trip where we had to slow down to 15 mph while the rain poured down on the highway and the wind tore around us. Come to find out later, there were some dangerous tornadoes that kept some of our co-workers from landing in Nashville, some circled the airport several times and one of the flights had to land in Knoxville.

We're setting up and getting ready for the rush of members on Saturday morning. I'd say it's the calm before the storm, but we've already hit the ground running even though the Convention hasn't officially started yet. Side note: This is my first time at the Opryland Hotel and this place is C-R-A-Z-Y. It feels like a bio dome and it smells like Disney World. Yes, I typed that correctly. If you're coming to the Convention, and I hope you are, then you'll see what I mean. This place really is amazing though. I've been walking around trying to learn where everything is, only to find myself glancing over at the maps strewn throughout the walking areas for suckers like me who have no idea where they are. It's a beautiful place though and for those staying here I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

To all those who are traveling, be safe and we'll see you soon!