OK, I'll admit it: it was better than I thought it would be!  The goal of organizing my own professional conference was built up in my head for the last 10 years, but living it last weekend far exceeded all that I had imagined (and there are few things in my life that have lived up to the picture that I had painted in my own head!)

Sunday ended the best professional experience I have had so far, chairing a Regional Conference for the Association of College Unions International (ACUI).  It was the Region's 60th Anniversary as well, so there were added expectations to deliver a quality conference for our 225 delegates (including 32 International delegates from Ireland, the UK, and Qatar) that joined us at Eastern Connecticut State University.  As I spoke at the closing brunch on Sunday, I shared three things that I learned through my experience:

1.  See Obstacles As Opportunities
As we began the planning process back in February, our world was in the midst of an economic meltdown.  There was a sense of uncertainty, doubt, and fear that very few people could come to our conference.  This was further fueled by the other ACUI regions experiencing downturns in conference registrations as well as sister Associations going through similar financial challenges.  However, we remained focused, came up with creative solutions, and used our obstacles to create opportunities.  We focused on our shared vision, made personal contacts, and were able to get a fantastic turnout.  How do you and your students turn obstacles into opportunities?

2. You're Only As Good As The People Around You
I was truly blessed to be surrounded by an amazing group of 22 professionals and 2 graduate students who came together and created a shared, exciting vision.  It was the largest Conference Planning Team ACUI Region 1 ever had, and some people questioned whether it would be effective.  With each meeting, they challenged the status-quo and thought BEYOND the box.  We complimented each other well, and it was their creativity, energy, and commitment that made the conference happen.  

3.  Success Favors the Prepared (and Opened) Mind
Steve Uzzell quoted Louis Pasteur during his opening keynote and it made me reflect on how our success didn't just come from preparation, but from opening our minds to new possibilities.  Without an open mind, preparation alone won't yield success.  For me, the best way to open my mind was to LET GO of control and let the them run with their ideas and support them anyway I could.  As someone who is a natural "do-er", this was my biggest challenge, but I learned so much more about myself when I just let go and trust their hard work.  As SA professionals, it is important to keep your mind opened to new possibilities and not get stuck doing the same thing over and over.

In the spirit of the holiday, I am extremely thankful for having had this opportunity.  I am a better professional today because of it and hope that you find this type of experience at least once in your Student Affairs career!