Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers

I was ecstatic when I left the EACE conference in 2005. This is because I was embraced with comfort—from the Association’s President to newcomers alike—immediately upon arriving to the conference site in White Plains. Additionally, I was awarded a Diversity Advancement Scholarship in Memory of Rick McLellan to attend, so I was well aware that EACE members value the ideals of cultural difference ahead of time.

I found EACE to be very different from those overwhelmingly large conferences where you may not even see your co-workers. Rather, I clearly noticed that this conference was more inclusive and had repeated opportunities to meet and network with top-notch colleagues. As a result, I was able to build meaningful relationships with other career service professionals and employers alike. Along with meeting other passionate professionals, I was able to learn from the concurrent sessions about innovative approaches to enhance my skill set and improve the work that I do.

Aside from the highly engaging concurrent sessions, I found the social events (e.g, casino night, New York Yankees game) to be very enjoyable and personable. Finally, you should rest assure that EACE will host a terrific keynote speaker. In 2005, we had Kwame Jackson—former Apprentice Winner—to talk about his own experiences as a self-made millionaire. I cannot wait to find out what’s in store for the 2006 conference. See you in Norfolk!

Cheers!

Ryan J. Davis
Ph.D. Student, Higher Education
Career and Academic Advisor
University of Maryland

“So this is your first time at an EACE conference? Oh, that’s wonderful! I hope you have a great experience – it’s a lot of fun.” I often heard comments such as this one each time somebody noticed the little blue star on my nametag. This sticker indicated I was a “newbie” to the conference. As a new professional straight out of graduate school, I was eager (and a little anxious!) to attend my first real conference.

After getting lost on the way to White Plains with my Director, we finally found our way to our lovely hotel room. Exhausted from the long trip and hot sun, I wasn’t sure how I felt about putting on my “networking face” and meeting several new people that first evening. This uncertainty quickly faded as I sat around a table at the Luau enjoying informal conversation with some of the other attendees and great food! Everyone I met at the conference, whether over lunch, dinner, the Broadway show or Casino Night, was so warm and encouraging.

I have a lot of favorite moments from my first EACE conference. The experience provided me the opportunity to develop new professional contacts as well as new friendships. It was inspiring to see so many others who are passionate about our field and committed to professional growth. I appreciated the wisdom the “old timers” were willing to share with a newbie like me.

More than anything, I learned the importance of becoming involved in the association. During the Committee and Network Fair, I was able to see the many opportunities to make a contribution. As a result, I am serving on 3 different committees, which has allowed me to further develop relationships with other professionals as well as feel like I’m more connected to the association.

At the end of the conference, I left feeling energized with a fresh perspective and new ideas to take back to our office. I’m looking forward to another great conference in Norfolk, VA! Hope to see you there - especially all of you who will be sporting those little stickers on your nametags!

Christy Hanson
Assistant Director of Career Development
Messiah College

I attended my first EACE Annual Conference in 2002 and it was in Norfolk, VA. What a great location! As a recruiter, I always walk away from these conferences with new ideas and new contacts – and the group is just the right size, so I never feel overwhelmed. This event allows me meet with my colleagues all in one place and work with schools that I can’t always get to in my travel schedule.

The EACE conference committees have always done a great job at creating relevant programming that I can put to good use. The sessions are relevant and include issues that open my eyes to what other recruiters and collegiate colleagues are facing. Also, the entertainment options provide the time and the right environment for building relationships with my colleagues. Finally, the keynote speakers are top notch and allow us to hear from top individuals in our field.

I know I can always count on the EACE conference as time well spent both personally and professionally. I look forward to seeing you in Norfolk!

Helen Brown
Campus Relations Manager
Vector Marketing

I have been attending the EACE Annual Conference, on and off, for about 30 years (I go back to the days of MAPA). Why, you could say that my partnership with EACE is the longest sustained relationship I’ve ever had. And you don’t stand up to the critical test of time without having substance. It’s substance, sustained over time, that I define as character. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to salute the character of the EACE Conferences over the years.

Whether I was a starry-eyed newcomer to the field back in the 70’s (remember the Bee Gees?), trying to absorb as much as I could, or a seasoned professional, who gets as much insight out of casual conversations of comparing notes over cocktails as he does in the workshops, I have always benefited professionally from these Annual Conferences.

Career Development is a dynamic field. Consequently we should never underestimate the value of meeting as a group to critically examine ourselves and create a vision for the future (isn’t that the essential advice we give our students?)

Enjoy the Conference personally and professionally. And the one thing I can guarantee you is that you’ll take something back of value to your respective shops.

P.S. The hotel is in a great location along the waterfront, wonderful for a stroll, a jog, or just to daydream!

Chet Rispoli, Ed.D.
Director, Career Development Services
Temple University