With the 2012 ACUI annual conference in Boston behind me, I have had some time to reflect on my experience as part of the Conference Program Team. The 18-month journey from the selection of the team to our successful execution of the conference has been a memorable one that I won’t soon forget.
We bonded as a team at our first onsite meeting. The first night we were in Boston, the team went to a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party at the Old South Meeting House. At the time, I was unsure why we were going, but it was very clear in the following days. The next day, we spent time working on what our theme would be. We were split into small groups, and each group independently selected the idea of a revolution. This was the first time that I felt a true sense of connectedness with the team, and that we were capable of tremendous things. It was amazing to me that we were able to come up with our theme in just one day of being together.
Our second onsite meeting was in June 2011. It was during these days that each of us worked hard on cementing many of the details for our individual programs. We also had plenty of time to spend time as a group and connect with each other. Ultimately, we talked the last night about how we would not see each other again until March. We had become such a close-knit group that this thought was one we did not want to dwell on.
Once we got to Boston and the conference was upon us, we went to work. Every time a team member needed assistance, someone, and often times several of us, were ready to lend a hand. The days and nights were long, as we expected, and each day brought on new challenges and opportunities for “wow” moments for the conference attendees. Overall, the team was satisfied with the work that we did.
Being a part of such a wonderful team has been one of the most rewarding professional development opportunities I have ever participated in. If you have the chance, apply to be on a Conference Program Team. The relationships you build will be for a lifetime, and the conference experience you create for ACUI can be every bit as “revolutionary” as it was this year.
What was your best ACUI volunteer experience?
David Pennock
is the Assistant Director at Syracuse University.
Dave Pennock’s responsibilities include the operations of two student centers as well as the student employment program. He has held several regional leadership positions including regional director. In his free time, Dave enjoys attending Syracuse University sporting events and spending time with his two boys, Brady and Josh.