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Interview with NASPA IV-WE Conference Co-Chairs

June 10, 2016 Samantha Greenberg

We had a chance to sit down with the #NASPA4WE Conference Co-Chairs to learn more about why the regions decided to combine for the conference and what that process has been like for them.

Shana Meyer Jim Hoppe

Why was St. Louis selected as the host city for this year's conference?  

S: Several cities were discussed as possibilities, but Saint Louis offered easy access for both regions; rich cultural history; and amazing spaces that can accommodate the size of the WE conference.  We're looking forward to some special events, local cuisine, and entertainment only Saint Louis can provide!

J: St. Louis also inspired our theme, In The Heart of it All.  The city is in the heart of the United States, equal parts east/west, and north/south.  The fact that it's my hometown didn't hurt either!

Have regions IV-East and IV-West ever held a joint conference in the past?  

S: This is our first joint venture in over 20 years!  Other NASPA regions often have joint conferences; with one region number split into two directions, it is time that West and East join together as WE!  

J: We spent a great deal of time discussing this opportunity, and have been working on it in some form or another for almost four years!

How big is this conference going to be?

S: Typically each region has 300-350 attendees at their respective conferences. Our attendance goal is a conservative 700 participants.....but if everyone brings their friends & colleagues, we're prepared for more!

What are you most excited about for the 2016 Joint Regional Conference?

S: I am excited for the possibilities this joint conference brings. Our keynote speakers are bigger than ever before; we've added some unique social and networking opportunities; even our vendors and sponsors have expanded beyond what we've had before. Each region brings its own unique traditions and histories; merging the two has created good discussions about what more we can do!

J: I'm excited to expand our networks. The "Midwest is such a vast area, it will be fun to come to gather as this larger extended family.

What are some of the benefits of attending regional conferences?

S: Regional conferences provide the opportunity to connect with colleagues who live & work close to your institutional home. Each region has been known to have a "family" feel--they are a great way to make closer connections with folks you can interact with outside the confines of a conference at a distance location.

J: Your opportunities to connect with speakers and presenters are so much greater at a regional conference. Odds are you'll share an elevator or a table with someone you're hoping to have a follow up conversation with, and then continue to connect throughout the conference.

NASPA Regions are all very unique. How has it been working to plan this conference and still incorporate each region's unique way of doing things?

S: We've already discovered so many things unique to each region, from leadership styles to types of awards given to the scheduling of events. Both regions showcase our Knowledge Communities differently, from their representation on the board to ways to highlight the KCs during the conference. It's been fun seeing "behind the curtain" on each region's processes and discussing how to make things work. At the end of the day, we're all NASPA members with the same purpose of serving students, and through the conference, providing an amazing professional development opportunity for our colleagues! On a more personal level, co-chairing the conference with Jim has expanded my connections with new friends in our neighboring region. It's been so fun to "meet" online, through conference calls, and social networking. My circle has grown to include some fantastic Student Affairs professionals!

J: I'd say ditto to all Shana has said. Each region is learning and growing from this experience. It’s good to be forced to ask yourself "why do we do it this way?" every so often. All these new connections will make me look forward to the annual meetings even more in the future.

A huge thank you to Jim and Shana who are truly In The Heart of it All working hard to plan the first ever IV-East and IV-West joint regional conference.