Maxing out Summit 2013
by Sue Hoppin
A few years ago when we launched the very first NMSN Military Spouse Career Summit, we hoped that people would show up for a very different kind of event. At first no one really understood the concept. What, no career fair? No resume help? AND you want me to pay to attend? Then, what's in it for me? Very legitimate questions as there are a lot of great events out there and others might be a better fit for some. Our summit was [and is] clearly not for everyone. A full day of sessions geared toward professional development, a formal networking event with a panel, entrepreneur sessions and more networking opportunities all jam packed into one event. It took a lot of faith in what we were trying to achieve to stand our ground, and in the end it was worth it.
When the doors opened at the first event, it was gratifying to see the level of learning, networking and business being conducted. These spouses were here to get things done! They were connecting with HR folks, quizzing program managers from the Office of Personnel Management, installation employment personnel and hiring managers. They were networking with one another to form strategic partnerships and generate business. The feedback we received from that first event far exceeded our expectations and the event has grown each year. The second year, we listened to what our attendees had to say and added a full half day of sessions geared toward our military spouse entrepreneurs. This year, we added the Military Spouse Small Works Art Exhibition and Sale to bring attention to our talented military spouse artists and photographers. We think you'll be blown away by the submissions we've received. Check them out here. Each year, our community has grown and the summit has followed. This year will be no different. If you're planning on joining us, I thought I'd share some tips to get the most out of your experience:
- Register as soon as possible so you can take advantage of our LinkedIn Group for the event and start networking with other attendees, speakers and sponsors.
- Get your business cards and 30 second elevator speech ready.
- Set up some meetings in the DC area to maximize your time in the area. If you're a job seeker looking for a federal job - maybe you'd like to go by the Veterans office at OPM that also serves military families. They are more than happy to help you with any questions about USAJobs and provide some useful tips. If you're an entrepreneur, aren't there people you've connected with online you wouldn't mind meeting in person? Here's the perfect opportunity. You get the idea - set up some side meetings to make the most of your time.
- Make a list of 3-5 people also coming to the summit who you'd love to have coffee with and set it up. It's always fun to watch people meeting for the first time in person even though they've been doing business together online for years.
- Make sure you attend every session. Even if you don't think you're interested in the topic, there's always going to be a nugget or two that you'll be able to use.
- Make a reservation for the event hotel. Even if you're in town, you're not going to want to miss a moment of the activities and the networking that occurs after the formal sessions end. This is your time to work on your professional development. It's hard to stay focused if you're going home at night to deal with the day's chores in just a few hours before you have to head back. Most of the rooms have double beds, so bring a friend or connect with another attendee to help defray the cost.
- Finally, have an accountability partner. Perhaps another attendee or business acquaintance/partner who can't be in attendance. Within a couple days of leaving the conference, after you've had a chance to digest the information, do an after action report with biggest takeaways, follow ups, etc....This will help cement the information in your mind and make you accountable to someone else for follow up items.
Still not sure what to expect? Then join us for a Tweetchat on September 23rd at 1 PM ET. "Hear" from past attendees, speakers, sponsors and others. It'll be your chance to ask questions and learn more about this year's event. RSVP now.
Sue Hoppin is the founder and president of the National Military Spouse Network, a consultant on military family issues and the co-author of, "A Family's Guide to the Military for Dummies". Before founding the NMSN, Sue served as the first deputy director for spouse outreach for a military affiliated non-profit with a 375,000+ membership. She is a recognized subject matter expert on military spouse and family issues and has spoken to audiences nationwide ranging from installation career events to leadership training sessions and national conferences. She holds a bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of Denver and a master's degree in international relations from the University of Oklahoma.
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