The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we thank our presenters and our participants for helping make it a success. The convention provided recorded workshops, discussions for each workshop, virtual vendor booths, networking opportunities and a resource library for participants—all available on demand. Workshop topics included emotional intelligence, helping kids create a healthy self-image, engaging youth in fiery conversations and much more.

Some interesting stats about the success of convention:

A total of 648 afterschool professionals registered—a 48 percent increase from 2015. On a scale from one to 10, with 10 being the best, over 87 percent of participants rated their convention experience as an eight or higher.

"Each presenter was top-notch," said one participant. "I've been with my organization for 16 years and have been through lots of trainings and webinars, but this one truly had great presenters and a lot of takeaways."

"Please repeat this experience again," said another participant. "It was a rewarding learning experience for me, as I do not find myself in a position to attend the actual NAA Annual Convention. Your Virtual Experience allowed me to be a participant, acquire some PD hours to engage and learn from some of the best in our field."

A special thank you to our Virtual Convention 2016 sponsors, Lesson Zest and STEMfinity, as well as our State Affiliate partners for sponsoring their members so they could participate free of charge.

Looking for more opportunities to workshop, network and find inspiration? Join us in Dallas, Texas, March 19 – 22, for our Annual Convention. And be on the lookout for future announcements about the Fall 2017 Virtual Convention!