Rendezvous in the Rockies
by Val Ensalaco, COA, NFPW Board Secretary
NFPW Conference in Denver, September 7-9, 2006
Rendezvous in the Rockies
by Val Ensalaco, COA, NFPW Board Secretary
It couldn't have been nearly a year ago when the nine women sat together in
the hotel lounge in Seattle after the National Federation of Press Women's 2005
Communicator of Achievement awards dinner. It seems like only last week! The
writers came from various parts of the country. They represented various communications
genres. The columnist soon discovered how much she and the screenwriter had
in common. The group talked about sessions they attended earlier in the day
and how they were already thinking about applying new knowledge and skills to
their everyday communication efforts. They exchanged business cards, resources
and hints. Four of the nine already knew each other; the other five, identified
by their name badges, simply were welcomed into the group. They unanimously
agreed that the NFPW and its affiliates put on the best conferences in the communications
field. They had a "see you next year" finale as the group slowly dispersed.
Many stayed in touch during the months that followed.
Well, it's next year and we'll be seeing you in Denver where the Colorado Press
Women are hosting the NFPW Professional Communications Conference from September
7 through 9. Wear your badge; join the group! With professional development
tracks for writers of all media as well as communications educators, students
and authors, the national conference at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Denver
boasts an array of nationally and regionally renowned speakers and panelists.
More than 40 working media professionals will share their insights and knowledge
at 20 targeted workshops in three tracks: public relations, authors and freelance
writers. Could you learn on your own what these experts will impart?
On Friday evening the Communicators of Achievement (COA) from across the country
will be introduced and one will be recognized as the 2006 NFPW national COA.
How could we not be impressed by the accomplishments of these members! On Saturday,
at the conclusion of the conference at the awards banquet, the Communications
Contest winners will be introduced, including several from IWPA who have earned
awards at the national level.
Rendezvous in the Rockies is packed with professional development opportunities
to boost skills and increase knowledge with the expectation that participants
will return to their desks with fresh ideas, enhanced talent, and new resources.
And if you're a seasoned "pro" in the communications arena, this is
your chance to mentor and coach the new-to-the-field attendees who would be
overwhelmed with gratitude to have time with someone who has secrets, tips,
and ideas from lifelong learning - and credibility to back it up!
To learn more about this year's NFPW conference and the exceptional learning
and networking opportunities, visit www.nfpw.org.
To find your spot in the hotel lounge, look for our name badges. We can always
pull up another chair.
Val Ensalaco is currently the secretary of the NFPW board,
immediate past president of IWPA, our 2005 COA, and consistent communications
contest winner at the national level. She is the corporate vice president for
institutional advancement for the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.