AWTC Does It Again! Advance Conference is a Hit!
I'll admit it. I was nervous when I heard that AWTC was adding a keynote speaker to the 2024 Advance conference. They also added an afternoon workshop that also made me a little uncomfortable.
The reason I was nervous is because it started to sound a little too much like your typical conference – you know what I mean: Keynotes. Coffee breaks. Multiple conflicting sessions. “Workshops.” I was hopeful that AWTC was not going in that direction because I really like the way they organize this particular conference. It’s not the same old, same old or “this is the way other groups do it.”
I was pleasantly surprised and very relieved that it wasn't that way at all! The keynote speaker was Gloria Blackwell who is the CEO at the American Association of University Women. Her comments and content were exactly what this conference is about: women helping each other and learning to advocate for themselves. While I didn't attend that afternoon workshop, I heard it was really great and that people got a lot out of it.
What I loved about the 2024 conference is that they kept the adult style learning. At the Advance conference we do situation rooms and critical conversations. This allows people to bring their questions to their peers and get insights, knowledge, and suggestions. This style of learning doesn't just help the person with the question or the situation; It helps everybody involved in the conversation.
Lectures and presentations have their place but for adults to really get something out of an experience they need to apply the knowledge they already have and help others grow their own. This is what AWTC is all about. Everyone feels welcome, everyone is encouraged to participate, and everyone can share their thoughts and insights. Most importantly no one is made to feel uncomfortable if they don't know something.
I was very pleased to be asked to lead a situation room conversation and it was fantastic. There were seven of us in our group and we were almost equally split between vendors/consultants and association staff. This blending of everyone from across the association community allowed us to have a multi-layered learning experience where we can build on what we all know. It also allowed us to get to know each other in a conversational and relaxed style.
Speaking of connecting, there are plenty of opportunities built throughout the day to meet new people and reconnect with current connections. AWTC increased the value of their networking game by adding questions for us to discuss in small pods. This not only encourages you to meet different people and mix by moving from pod to pod when the question changes, but you can focus on professional development or technical issues. This is very much a conference that is outlined by AWTC but created by the attendees.
This is the second annual AWTC Advance conference and I am looking forward to many more in the future. I'm not just saying this because I'm a member and I’m also serving on the marketing committee. I think AWTC sets a standard for connection and learning that other associations should look to as a model. This is the outcome you get when people are willing to open their minds to new ways of doing things.
AWTC is an open and inclusive community. They set an example and a standard for recognizing people who contribute not just to their organization but to the association community at large. AWTC works to be inclusive and recognize all those people we know are out there working hard and helping their colleagues.
If you haven't checked out AWTC yet I highly encourage you to do so. I attended their networking events prior to their formal organization as a 501c3, and I have seen this organization grow under the commitment, love, and energy of their founding leaders. Well done AWTC!
