I am fresh off the floor of the 2019 CECU Convention www.career.org – well maybe not so fresh and a little sleep deprived – but invigorated nonetheless. In full transparency I was not thrilled about the prospect of a full day of travel when this location was first announced. When traveling I usually like the destination, not necessarily the journey, and my poor wife and others have been victim to my traveling woes. So, the idea of connecting flights (can’t get there direct from Hartford) and 98 super humid degrees didn’t exactly excite me – but I was totally wrong.
Well at least partially wrong, the travel wasn’t ideal, but the convention was. I have been attending CECU since the mid 2000’s when it was still CCA. So I’ve seen the ups and downs – and it is a little depressing that so many no longer attend or are out of the sector – even if some were competitors. I’d say this “somber” mood has been the backdrop of the convention for the past few years.
So between the travel and past years tones my expectations were set pretty modestly. Get to spend some time with our great clients, see old friends, etc. But that turned quickly. I think New Orleans was exactly what the Convention needed this year. A strong reminder that this is a fun sector. That we have many of the “cool schools” in education. The schools pushing the envelope of today’s technology while embracing the foundations of time-tested education standards. Have you been to one of our campuses lately? We have institutions that are the largest educators of Nurses in their respected states. Audio and Media programs that will make you say “wow”. Automotive and Heavy Trades schools that remind us what keeps our country moving forward. In short one of the few sectors working diligently to close the skills gap nationwide.
It was also amazing to see some of the generational changes taking place. Founders of our sector bringing in the 2nd and sometimes 3rd generations of family to carry on their mission of education and to better serve students. This boost of energy and new ideas was palpable.
New Orleans was exactly what the Convention needed this year!
New Orleans really seemed to set the stage for everyone to let loose a little, have some fun, and remember who we are. It was one of the best conventions I’ve attended in a long time and I leave it re-energized and focused on our clients, schools, and the students they serve. I look forward to seeing you next year in Orlando!
*Featured in the Photo:
Bill & Savanna Bradley – Daytona College
Vincent Scaramuzzo – Ed-Exec, Inc.
T.C Wolfe – Principal, New Century Government Affairs
Brooke Baran – President at Baran Strategy & Communications
Suzanne Palmer – Vice President of Public and Government Relations at BlueChair, LLC
@ The Gragg Advertising Party.
Vincent Scaramuzzo is the President of Ed-Exec, Inc. A leading Education Executive Search Firm. He is also a contributing author to various education publications. As a specialist in the education field for over a decade, Scaramuzzo works nationally. He can be contacted at vincent@ed-exec.com 860-781-7641.