CETPA Weblogs
Post Conference Blues
Author: Tim Goree
Published: 12/01/2009
Topic Areas: Conference
I have to admit, after the whirlwind, for me, that was the 49th CETPA conference, I'm feeling pretty blue. I've been to five CETPA conferences as an attendee, and every time I've experienced a little bit of the blues afterward. It's just that the mix of brain filling sessions, fun and intelligent peer conversations, and hard core networking opportunities always pushes me to the brink of overstimulation so that coming back to the real world is kind of harsh. Can you relate?
This year, the above scenario was intensified for me. As a first year board member, it seemed as if those typically intense situations from the conference were flying at me from all sides, at higher speeds, with greater impact than ever before. With a higher high follows a lower low, and here I am.
Why am I sharing all of this? Two reasons. First, I want you to know that this year has been, for me, the most rewarding year of my career so far, culminating in the CETPA conference, and in no small part because of the board collaboration that I have been blessed to be a part of. If you've been thinking of applying to become a CETPA board member, but you're afraid of the work involved - get past it. The work is the price of admission to the most advanced educational CTO class in the state of California, and it is a small price to pay. As a CETPA board member, I get to spend quality time with the people that are moving educational technology forward at the highest levels. Come on, apply, you know you need it!
Second, I want to relive my week at the conference, and I am going to selfishly use this forum to do it. In the spirit of Web 2.0 technology, I would like to invite you to post a comment on this blog entry if you spoke to me at the conference this year. It doesn't have to be lengthy, just post a comment. I'd love it if everyone could see the quantity and quality of people that I had the pleasure of interacting with this year. Whether you shook my hand, got heckled by me in a session (or did the heckling), or even if you were one of the many people who looked at my name tag and said, "I know you, you're the guy who always has an opinion about everything on the listserv."
Go ahead, post a comment. Help me get rid of my post conference blues - I dare you.
- Ideas, Suggestions, Thoughts
2009-12-09 09:55:14 Warren Williams [Reply]
Aside from Tim's need for a fix of julibance, there are distinct after-conference feelings that are hard to reconcile: pride at putting on a good conference yet knowing more could be done; meeting new friends and accociates and yet missing some frequent attendees; changes that reflect a growing and tranformative organization yet longing for the old days of pre-erate, pre-nclb, pre-CIPA, pre-everything on IP, pre-drastically shrinking budgets. And while it would be nice to languish in some meditative spot and escape the pressing needs, it is exactly those needs that make our profession so rewarding. I think Russ Brawn said it best when he stated we are the luckiest folks in the world and having our jobs brings joy in the knowledge that we can actually make a change that will positively affect the lives of students.
Please help the CETPA Board by making suggestions that will improve the resources that CETPA can provide. So I throw up another challenge beside Tim's to each of you. Send along your comments and ideas for improving the conference and the other resources offered by CETPA. Let the Board know what we can do to help you help others. - Ideas, Suggestions, Thoughts
2009-12-09 20:40:18 Tim Goree [Reply]
Here, here! I'll raise a glass to one of my favorite people for making the comment above. - Same thing only different
2009-12-09 09:27:35 Russell Hogue [Reply]
Tim, I didn't make it to CETPA this year but had a similiar experience at the Cyber Citizenship Summit this last week. There are so many great ideas and technologies out there that could advance our students in the classroom and beyond. Then we get back to work and it's hard to find time, money and support to implement them.
It's great to get together with others of our sort and commiserate. Sometimes it's hard to remember that we're not the only ones going through this and there are others in the same situation.
Look forward to seeing you at the next CETPA and getting your sage? (jk) advice on the listserve. - Feeding Tim's ego
2009-12-08 13:10:51 Nancy Burns [Reply]
Oh! I totally understand the need for proper and frequent feeding and upkeep of an ego, Tim. <grin>
It was nice to finally put a face to a name when I met you at CETPA, after years of seeing your name on the CETPA Listserve.
Good job on the CETPA blog. I can see where it might be a very useful tool for us as we move forward.
- Feeding Tim's ego
2009-12-09 20:37:45 Tim Goree [Reply]
Yum - good food, thanks! - Impressed
2009-12-08 09:16:39 Roger Smith [Reply]
It impresses me how the conference gets put together every year. It is no small task. I know the Board takes on huge chunks of this 'small' task. However you can volunteer to help out where ever needed even if you are not a board member. I encourage everyone to do so. The more help there is, the easier it is to get things done. True, you may not get the glamour jobs a board member might, like driving a UHaul truck to the conference, but the worthwhile part is helping. - CETPA Blueees
2009-12-07 23:27:32 Michael Schenck [Reply]
Howdy All... I too am blue about CETPA - as our local budget & travel restrictions kept me from attending... No hand shakes - not heckles (in person) and no laughs, sighs or kudos during the sessions... Hope to see ya'll next year - or on a VC in the mean-time!!
Sincerely,
Michael Schenck - Another Great Conference
2009-12-01 18:40:51 Rob Chambers [Reply]
Thanks to the Board Members, Andrea and all the volunteers that made this another great conference.
I agree with Tim. Its always hard to adjust back to real life after CETPA week. I look forward to next year. - Great job!
2009-12-01 08:59:49 Scott Sexsmith [Reply]
Tim, you and the rest of the board deserve some serious kudos. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that generally goes unnoticed. Having been on the board for a number of years I have a inkling of the work you guys did this year to make it all come off so well.
So get over them blues and come on get happy!
Scott Sexsmith - Great job!
2009-12-01 10:49:07 Fred Brakeman [Reply]
Tim,
I can't remember for sure but I think this is about my 14th CETPA (or CEDPA when I first started attending) conference. As a vendor, the reason I keep coming back is becuase I am constantly amazed how the organization can always produce an annual event that is always better than the previous year! Everything just seems to be better. Quality locations, great seminars, wonderful networking opportunities, and most important great fellowship. All I can say is keep up the great work. I really shows!!!!!!! - Conference Blues
2009-12-01 07:44:47 Andrea Bennett [Reply]
I know what you mean. Planning for each conference lasts over a year and then it is gone in a flash. Feedback - good or constructive - is the best way for CETPA Board and me to determine how well we did or what we need to change. Great idea Tim! - Conference
2009-12-01 07:38:59 Robert Stout [Reply]
I did get a chance to talk with you and you were definitely on a CETPA high. Excited about your role as a board member and the opportunities CETPA has to offer technology professionals and our students.
Thanks!
