conference

Conference Updates

5 Things To Do in Atlanta

November 28, 2018 by 0 Comments

by Ralph Leal and Jessica Campbell, Conference Committee – Local Arrangements

If you haven’t already taken a look at our conference agenda, please be sure and do so.  It will be a jam-packed 3 ½ days in Atlanta. We will be in the heart of downtown ATL and all of these destinations are a RideShare away or a few blocks from the hotel:

  1. Visit the world famous, Georgia Aquarium.  With late hours, it will be the ideal getaway for those looking for a calm and peaceful break from the conference.
  2. Walk around Centennial Olympic Park.  Amazing public space with nearby attractions.
  3. Enjoy local restaurants within easy walking distance – Amalfi Pizza, Alma Cocina, Pacific Rim Bistro, Cuts Steakhouse and lot of other food court options in the Mall at Peachtree Center which can accessed by a skybridge from the conference hotel.
  4. Treat yourself to spa services within the hotel.
  5. Take in a mystery dinner show at Agatha’s.

Whatever you choose to participate in, we hope you have an awesome experience in Atlanta at this year’s #SoACE18 conference!

Conference Updates

Top 10 Things to Expect at the #SoACE18 Conference!

November 13, 2018 by 0 Comments

by Tim Harding and Kim Billeaudeau, 2018 SoACE Annual Conference Chair and Co-Chair

Are you excited for the upcoming Atlanta conference?  We are looking forward to an engaging and information packed conference that is focused on the theme:  Activate. Transform. Lead.

Here are 10 things to expect at this year’s conference.

1. Lots of Networking – SoACE is a great opportunity to meet new colleagues and reconnect with old ones.  Bring lots of business cards and be open to making new friends.

2. Great programs – We have tons of amazing breakout sessions planned for attendees this year.  This is a great way to learn about best practices within our field and apply them to our offices.  Be sure to check out the listing ahead of time to decide which sessions you’d like to attend.

3. Fun – In addition to all of the professional development opportunities, SoACE is a lot of fun.  Our members love what they do and have fun doing it.

4. Opportunities to be active – Make sure you pack your exercise gear!  There are a number of activities planned to keep you active during the conference.  Participate in the low impact aerobics on Monday morning and/or the fun run on Tuesday morning.

5. Volunteer – You have several ways to help out with the conference.  You can serve as a breakout room host, assist with guiding individuals to the Tuesday night reception, and/or collect tickets at the start of various conference events.  If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here.

6. Chance to give back (through philanthropic initiative) – Each year, we attempt to connect with a local organization in our conference host city to help with their efforts.  This year, we are focusing on a local family and one that is a part of our professional community. Skill Survey’s Jake Burke is fighting for a cure for Neurofibromatosis (NF), which has affected his son, Jack. NF is a genetic disorder. Jake and Jack will both be with us in Atlanta to help raise awareness and donations to fight this disease. Please consider donating to this organization by clicking http://curenfwithjack.com/Jack.

7. Great exhibitors – We have some great exhibitors as a part of the conference this year.  Make sure you stop by the exhibitor booths to learn more about their services and how they can make your operations more efficient.  Be sure to also tell them “thanks”. Exhibitors help keep the conference costs lowered, so our offices can have affordable access to this annual conference.

8. A great city to explore – Atlanta is a vibrant city with much to offer.

9. President’s Reception – Join us for a “Peaches and Blues” themed reception on Sunday night.  This is a fun event to welcome you to Atlanta. Show off your institutional spirit by wearing branded clothes from your workplace.

10. Tuesday Evening Event – Get ready for an unforgettable Tuesday evening event, “A Night at the Museum”.  We will be kicking up our heels to some amazing music and enjoying a delicious meal at the Fernbank National History Museum. The attire is relaxed cocktail or Hotlanta Red!!!

What are you excited the most about?  Looking forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta!

Conference Updates

SoACE 2018 Conference: Philanthropy Project

October 19, 2018 by 1 Comment

by Rachel Wages, SoACE Conference Marketing Liaison

In a few short weeks the 2018 SoACE Annual Conference will be in Atlanta. There will be lots of hugs, handshakes, and shrills of excitement from seeing friends again. Having everyone together is great time to talk about the future and direction of our industry, learn what challenges and opportunities lie ahead, and how we can continue the great work our companies and colleges are doing. We will also have an opportunity to focus our resources and attention on a calling that will require us to come together and stay together in order to impact change. This year’s philanthropy focus will be on curing Neurofibromatosis (NF), but let’s take a few steps back. What is NF?

NF is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue anywhere in the body. The tumors are usually benign, but can sometimes become cancerous. Symptoms can sometimes be mild for some, but complications of NF can include hearing loss, learning impairment, heart problems, loss of vision, and severe pain. Treatment tends to be in the form of cancer therapies including surgery and chemotherapy. Other traditional treatments like radiation therapy do not work and in fact may exacerbate tumor growth in NF patients.  In essence, there currently is NO effective treatment or cure. For a deeper understanding of NF, I want to tell you about Jack Burke.

Jack is the 13 year old son of Jake and Beth O’Brien Burke. Jack’s dad has been part of the career development field and a member of SoACE and NACE for 25 years. Jack has NF and is probably one of the strongest children you will ever come across. Jack and his family are dedicated to building awareness around NF with the goal of curing it.CureNFwithJack will be our philanthropy focus at SoACE. During the conference, Jack is going to let us know how we can help him find a cure. Assistance can come in the form of financial support, writing letters to legislators to support national research efforts, and telling someone else about NF. Please take time to watch this video before heading to Atlanta in December. When you arrive be ready to learn more about our field, be ready to see old friends and meet new ones, and to CureNFwithJack.