IAAP New Jersey Division
Annual Meeting – Passion & Purpose
Friday, May 13 – 15, 2011
Rahway, New Jersey
“We Are All In This Together”
By Mary F. Brown
Parsons Brinckerhoff
I (yes this is all about me), and hopefully you will be able to read this and say to yourself – that’s me! I need to do that also. Do what? Explore, go forward, step out the box and see what your peers are experiencing, what IAAP is really all about.
Let me start with saying, “I am midway of life’s incredible journey of living.” In the administrative field for over 30 years and a member of IAAP for approximately ½ that time; reading about the various conferences and meetings, checking the website, and even joining a chapter (still only a member by name). Then in order to excel within my company, I needed to publish a paper – IAAP – my immediate thought and I wrote, “This Is What We Do,” and it was published by the IAAP New Jersey Division in 2008. (Later, I met Mary Marrone-Polo, Past President, who published my article at the meeting.)
Still this did not move me to more participation. Excuses of to busy (everyone is busy), no time (everyone is short on time), I don’t know anyone at the meetings, and any other logical reason I could makeup to avoid the inevitable. Well, sometimes things are just meant to be!
An e-mail was sent in April indicating that the IAAP New Jersey Division’s Annual Meeting was being held in Rahway, New Jersey. Oh my goodness, you have heard of the saying, “if you won’t go to the mountain – the mountain will come to you – well IAAP was right at my front door. An annual meeting and still I procrastinated about attending. However the meeting would not leave my mind. If “this is what we do,” then why would I avoid an opportunity to network with my peers? What was holding me back? How more convenient could it be with the meeting less than 50 miles from home? Why was I deliberating back and forth on attending? Well, the answer was all me! I was holding myself back, making excuses, procrastinating, wasting valuable time and energy on contemplating whether to attend or not to attend an event that was literally laid in my lap.
So the day prior to the deadline, I filled-out the appropriate registration form, Federal Expressed my registration fee, made my hotel reservations, check MapQuest for the directions to the hotel, and that was the beginning of a new evolutional experience in the professional administrative field for me.
Now this is not just an article to boost about, “set egos’” a high, or even promote IAAP or the New Jersey Division. It is an article being written for those who have reach midlife and still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up; those in the beginning of their career to help them realize not to procrastinate on their opportunities; and those at the end of their career to understand the end only exists when you stop thinking and breathing literally. So, without tantalizing words of elegance to muse you, but just words from the heart to move you, I will continue sharing my experience.
Okay, off to the IAAP New Jersey Division’s Annual Meeting, - I go. Numerous thoughts about my decision are swimming in my head concerning why and why not; what else I could be doing with my time; how many other invitations have developed since I sent in my registration; and the realization that I knew absolutely no one at this meeting – just to name a few. Arriving at the hotel, as I was checking in, a woman intervened in my conversation with the Manager, indicating she would show me to the 3rd floor. Catherine’s immediate hospitality and genuine concern for my getting to the right place was impressive. To me, it is the small things that people go out of their way to do to make you feel comfortable really touch my heart. Let me deliberate on my weekend by events:
Friday, May 13, 2011 – The First Night:
The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m., with a welcome and a speaker on social media. Believe it or not, I am still somewhat disenchanted with my choice to attend. Ms. Katie DeVito, Founder of NJ Unemployed, began her story of success and the false barriers I had built up were very slowly crumpling. She discussed the importance of networking (everywhere) and provided free websites for finding new job opportunities or just putting your resume out for employers that might have a different insight on your professional skills, talent and expertise. Websites such as LinkedIn.com – strictly for professional resumes and why and how to properly post your information to the site. At the end of her presentation, the questions and answers period was in depth. We received certificates from the Division for attending and possible recertification credits. Now that is what really interested me certification.
Later that evening, was followed by a meet and greet social time to relax, listen to a D.J. spinning oldies but goodies and enjoy food and snacks with a purple fruit punch to initiate the theme of the annual meeting, “Passion & Purpose.” Everyone is mingling, talking with friends and anxious to meet new ones. Around 8:30 p.m., I went to my room with refreshing thoughts – this might not be so bad after all.
Saturday, May 14, 2011 – Day One:
I definitely needed this time away to think. Now my mind was racing with thoughts of the upcoming day. Shuttled to the Merck facility (the IAAP Merck Chapter was the Host Chapter for the Annual Meeting) where a well displayed continental breakfast was prepared for our revival. Packets were at each table in front of each chair, with reserved signs in front of the first set of five tables for delegates. Lots of delegates attending I thought to myself as I worked my way back to find a seat. Preferring to seat in the front, I am determine to investigate this delegate situation. Oh, someone is giving out lovely carrying bags full of professional needs.
The meeting came to order and Roberts Rules were followed explicitly. An announcement of only delegates could speak and vote on issues, took be back for a minute. Oh I am going to be so bored and I can’t even speak. Immediately, I felt the need to learn even more about these delegates. Needless to say, this opportunity allowed just that. I listened and watched as parliamentary procedure was being eloquently orchestrated by Patricia Sgromolo, who led the meeting as Division President. I learned who’s was who concerning delegates, the New Jersey Board, membership, EFAM, certification and its importance, new procedures and policies, what was developing at the International Headquarters and most of all, “how we are all in this together.”
Saturday, May 14, 2011 – Afternoon of the First Day:
Lunch was provided and to my delight, it was a delicious hot meal and hot cold mugs with the Meeting Theme were distributed. The Merck Chapter is a group of dedicated women under the leadership of Kathy – who were there to ensure every thing went smoothly and on time. What hospitality, friendliness and concern was displayed and genuinely felt within.
Next a detailed dialogue from the representative of International Board. By now, I am very interested in learning all I can about IAAP, after all I am a member. Bianca Constance was very well spoken and precise. Her integrity allowed her to answer all the questions and those she could not answer she indicated she would bring it back to Headquarters, including suggestions from the delegates as to the betterment of the organization. Someone from the headquarters that was cooperative, able to listen, and willing to convey suggestions back to the International Board to me was very reassuring. Awards for certification, swearing in of the new year cycle officers took place next and titles such as CPS and CAP flowed off ‘our’ President’s lips with great pride and respect as she hugged each person certified and thanked each one of her board for all their support – true ‘Passion & Purpose.’ I really have to obtain those initials at the end of my name.
The end of the afternoon provided us with more knowledge in reference to Understanding Generational Differences, presented by Terrence Cahill, EdD, FACHE a professor at Seton University. Through PowerPoint, YouTube, games, cartoons, music and dialogue, he was able to provide distinctive insight on the various generation differences from the Traditional Generation to the Millenniums. The laughing, memories, understanding that we ourselves are enablers of the millennium generation, and questions and answers between each generational gap, set the room on fire with interest and enthusiasm. My only complaint was that I did not want the session to end. Another certificate of attendance was provided and a form for recertification points. I have to obtain my certification – look at all these points I am missing.
Next was a scavenger hunt planned by the Merck Chapter. Now come on, I am not really up for this activity; however, since I committed to attending I am going to participate in all that is offered. All I could say is what fun. I don’t know whether the Committee planned the event during the Harley and Car Show/Fair in Rahway, but it truly made the scavenger hunt very innovative and challenging – yes, my team won!
Now believe it or not, after the scavenger hunt, at the hotel the committee arranged for private vendors to display their goods from homemade chocolate candy to vitamins and international coffees to hats, handbags, jewelry and dresses. Members started calling this a mini-EFAM full of all aspects of life, professional, educational, sharing, learning, fun and shopping. Am I getting hooked?
Saturday, 14, 2011 – Second Night:
For dinner, you were on your own. I had talked with several members, but not made any plans because literally it was a full day. As I was going to my room, Kathy announced she was going to the Rail House for dinner. Upon opening the door to my room, thoughts sang through my spirit – Rail House why not. This is another opportunity to see if I truly fit in. So, I turned around and off I go to the restaurant to meet up with five members and Kathy. I heard you say Rail House spilled over my tongue with nods of approval and smiles of content were received.
Now the Rail House was packed, however Kathy was adamant about making sure we were accommodated for dinner. She walked us pass several places explaining food and atmosphere. Many of the restaurants were full not to mention the show at the Arts Center. Finally, we decided upon the Irish Pub. Dinner began about 6:30 p.m. and it must have been after 10 p.m. when we left. I was having dinner with ‘our’ New Jersey Board’s Secretary, and two of our delegates and a lovely daughter of one of our delegates. Later we were joined by the International Board representative and the former Treasurer now Vice President of the Board. The conversations took off concerning IAAP, certification, new examination in November, chapters, family, church and much laughter. Questions were answered and ended with someone offering their help, encouragement and a sense of genuine concern for your success. I am feeling quite at home and realizing more and more, “we are all in this together.”
Sunday, May 15, 2011 – Last day:
Now, I am eager to get up and go downstairs for the finale - knowing this is a weekend I truly needed to attend. Continental breakfast with some gathering time and Trish ‘my’ New Jersey Division President (Trish that’s what we all call her) discussed changes of Chapters and Members of Excellence and even though some computer difficulties were being experienced, her professionalism shined through just as her smiles and reassurance “that we are all in this together,” were being conveyed.
Our last dynamic speaker for the Annual Meeting was Brigette Colabella, Johnson & Johnson Corporate Chapter concerning “Mentoring – An Admin’s Perspective.” This presentation sincerely clicked the light bulb on in my thoughts. Although, I am mentoring champion at my place of employment, suddenly I realized my concern for others has dismissed my own need for enhancing my personal mentoring. The speaker reconfirmed my ideas of many weeks ago that I have to use all I can to continue to climb the ladder of success professionally, socially, at home, church, work and within my community. Another certification of attendance was received and another opportunity to receive recertification points. I am determined to get my CAP. I did not want the Annual meeting to end!
So here I am now, so overwhelmed with appreciation, gratitude and enthusiasm that I felt an urgency to share my experiences attending my first Annual IAAP Division Meeting. It only took me blank number of years to figure out my profession required a gathering of peers, sharing, laughing, educating, listening, learning and discussing issues of importance for the betterment of our career. Yes, it may have been my first meeting; however it will not be my last.
Attending this weekend has inspired me to further my career, added an urgency to obtain certification, enhanced an overall sense of revitalization for my profession, and an created an eagerness to become a leader in ‘my’ organization the International Association of Administrative Professionals. My most comprehensive understanding is that IAAP is an entire organization of Admin/Office Professionals that are ready to help each other because “we are all in this together.”