by Val M. Ensalaco, CFRE
A Constant 'High'
by Val M. Ensalaco, CFRE
The NFPW conference in Seattle gave me a constant "high" from check
in until the final curtain of this great production. The sessions and the keynote
presentations were excellent. The camaraderie among attendees was dynamic. I've
been to three conferences now and have enjoyed meeting people in communications
from around the country but this conference gave me an opportunity to personally
meet a larger number. Here's how I did it: To be helpful to the Washington state
affiliate and NFPW office staff, I volunteered at the registration desk. For
about five hours, non-stop, on the first day of registration, I had the opportunity
to greet and chat with the early arrivals. I kept checking back and doing shorter
stints when needed. What fascinating people and stories came through those doors!
There was also a call for people to introduce speakers at the various programs
over the three-day conference … uh-huh, I volunteered to do that, too. It was
such fun to be able to give back to NFPW with a gift of my time … and I thanked
the NFPW staff and other key players for allowing me these privileges. In retrospect,
I received more than I gave. I hope they let me do it again next year! I've
had my "basic training" and I'm eager to go to work!