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NAA23: The Calm Before the Shine

Wednesday, 29 March 2023 14:20
Your task is to fuse people… Talented gatherers don’t hope for disparate people to become a group – they make it happen. -Priya Parker

All of the I’s have their dots, the T’s are fully crossed, and NAA’s Convention team is a whirling mix of excitement and anticipation with a splash of nervous energy. Will participants be as thrilled as we are to be at NAA23? What will be their favorite takeaways? How many people will walk away with new products and services – new ideas – new friends? Did we quadruple-check the lighting cues? On the eve of kick-off, NAA leaders reflected on their hopes for this year’s gathering.

Gina Warner, Chief Executive Officer

I hope people make meaningful connections while they’re with us.

I’m excited to see people back and joining together – even though we were technically back last year, I think it was harder for everyone to feel comfortable with it. I’m eager to gauge the enthusiasm for the new leadership tools we developed.  – and that will be so much more rewarding to have in-person dialogue. I think once people see our level of excitement and involvement, it will help build their interest in other opportunities to engage with each other and NAA.

 

Heidi Ham, Chief Operations Officer

I hope people feel the intentionality of the theme.

You. Us. All. Together We Shine was purposefully crafted to emphasize inclusion and belonging for Afterschool team members in addition to the young people we serve. I’m excited to showcase the great work OST professionals do across the nation and in Florida despite recent legislation.  I think it’s important that WE are defining our profession for ourselves and advocating for our workforce because we know the important role that we play. I want to look out at the 1,500-person audience, know that we have actionable next steps forward, and start moving the way TOGETHER!

  

Angelica Portillo, Director of Advocacy & Workforce Initiatives

I hope I get to see and experience many meaningful connections.

I'm most excited about the opportunity to connect with people. Last year, I led the workforce sessions and didn’t really get to interact with people as much as I would have liked. I’m thrilled to be able to participate in NAA23 sessions, and I hope people feel motivated and inspired to take action with the workforce efforts we are making.

  

It is safe to say that this year’s Convention blew all of our expectations out of the water! Between the inspiring showcase speakers, the action-packed learning sessions, and the variety of helpful exhibitors, we left Orlando feeling rejuvenated for our work, connected to our community of fellow afterschool professionals, and yearning for the next opportunity to gather. Save the date for NAA24 in Dallas! We’ll see you again March 17-20, 2024.

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