“Succeeding in business is all about making connections”.
(Richard Branson)
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) annual conference was held in Phoenix, Arizona this year. Last year was a defacto home conference since it was on the Disney properties in Orlando, Florida. Loved the ease of travel last year but NACE24 was one of the best conferences I have attended.
Why? It’s all about location and opportunities. I’m not a huge Disney fan and felt trapped to the property the way the conference was setup. Also, there’s not a ton of afterhours entertainment for non-Disney fans.
Phoenix? Tons of local entertainment, sports and food are available within a two-block radius.
Flew out of Orlando airport directly to the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. I’ve been to Phoenix multiple times, but it was exciting to venture out west again. Decided I didn’t need a car so booked the Super Shuttle service to get me to and from my hotel. I’m a huge Marriott traveler so booked my hotel downtown Phoenix which was only two blocks from the Phoenix Convention Center which is where NACE24 was held.
Did some exploring on my first day in town and walked around the city to take in the sights. There were multiple police officers in front of the Footprint Center which is where the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) basketball teams play. I’ve never been to a WNBA game and was excited the Phoenix Mercury were in town and hosting a home game. Made my way to the ticket counter and purchased a $20 general admission ticket. Wanted to experience the environment but not spend a ton of money just to say I was there. 😊 The arena was packed, and the crowd was energized and helped the home team win in a blowout (15 points).
Left the ball game and headed out to get some food. Found a funky spot called Copper Blues. It’s a restaurant with live music and free comedy shows on Sunday nights. This was a perfect spot to post up at the bar and take in the culture. Spent about 3 hours in Copper Blues before heading back to my hotel which was half a block over—things in Phoenix are close.
NACE24 started on Monday with some preconference sessions and attendee check-in. No need to rush over but didn’t want to spend a ton of time in the check-in line. The keynote on Day 1 was Soledad O’Brien formerly of CNN. She spoke at NACE in Chicago a few years ago and did a fantastic job. Wanted to attend her session to learn more about her current media role and the value she places on education.
NACE is all about networking and I was able to catch up with colleagues from all over the country. Ran into my friend Sean Collins who currently works at FAMU in Tallahassee but used to work for me at Florida State University back in the day. Connected with NACE Board members—the current CEO, Chair and incoming Chair are all friends of mine. It was great running into them and planning some future projects together. The NACE community is a tight knit group, and the incoming Chair has already reached out to me to lead the Sourcing and Nomination Committee—this group is charged with selecting new board members. It will give me insight on the process and help my efforts for a future NACE board seat—fingers crossed! 😊
The next two days were filled with networking, checking out vendors and attending after-work parties. There’s a lot of food, drink and fun at NACE and Phoenix provided a nice backdrop for all these things.
The final party was held at The Duce in the warehouse district. One of the vendors reserved the venue and provided food, drinks and live music for NACE attendees. It was great seeing my colleagues in a different light, and everyone was having a fantastic time.
NACE25 will be in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania next year. I will get a chance to see my friend, Lauren Apgar again when I get up there. Excited for NACE25 and seeing my homey! 😊
Irie!
Walk Into the Future 