Ode to the Conference Committee

**First Friday Flashback, from Sept. 2014**

The Call for Papers for the 2016 NAJIT conference in San Antonio has been announced! Remember, even if you can’t submit a proposal, you can recommend a great presenter! This year’s Conference Committee needs your input – click on the NAJIT home page for more information. Hope to see you there!

Hats off, applause, three cheers,
To conference volunteers.
Who dedicate months and years,
In the service of their peers.

They search all around, everywhere,
For the best of the best,
For professionals to come and share,
A noble but challenging quest.

And when the day finally comes,
They stand aside,
Watching from afar,
As attendees arrive.

Will their efforts bear fruit?
Will the event be a hit?
Will their horns toot?
Perhaps not even a bit.

Because we often forget,
Sad but spot-on,
All the work and effort,
Even after we’re gone.

Take this ode to heart,
And lend a helping hand,
Pay it forward, do your part,
To make the efforts grand.

A simple thanks,
A heartfelt pause,
To the conference volunteers,
Who promote a worthy cause.

This fun, perhaps corny, poem comes from the heart. I’ve been involved in various parts of conference planning for our profession at this point, and I think each of us should have conference committees on our minds. It is hard work to organize these events!

When you come across an expert or a presenter who you think has something great to share, please get in touch with the continuing education division of your favorite professional organization and provide contact information. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the best presenters are referred by somebody we know.

Remember, not all presenters have to be members of our profession or experienced in speaking at our events. Who wouldn’t enjoy a fresh, unique, or innovative presentation that looks at an old topic in a new way? Committees are always searching for creative ideas to help us continue to grow while we network and socialize with friends.

Short and sweet, for all they do, my heartfelt thank you and respect to the volunteers responsible for the amazing continuing education we enjoy!