NACAC’s 65th National Conference in Baltimore, MD

In September 2009 I attended the national conference for the National Association of College Admissions Counselors in Baltimore, Maryland.

NACAC’s National Conference is the largest annual gathering of college admission professionals. This year’s conference addressed current topics in counseling, admission, financial aid, testing and technology and provided members with specific in-service training suited to their institutional and career. There were over 5300 attendees representing 36 countries.
Conference attendees include secondary school counselors, college admission officers, independent counselors, financial aid administrators, enrollment managers, and affiliate organization members

More than 130 diverse and informational educational workshops, seminars and sessions were led by experts in the field of college admission counseling on such topics as admission testing, college access and selectivity. Experts also discussed careers in engineering, stress and the college application process, community college, early access programs, managing the generations and much more.

I had the opportunity to attend several professional sessions and listen to the keynote speakers. One of those speakers was Dan Clark, creator of the Chicken Soup series. An exhibit hall featuring more than 160 companies showcasing products and services that assist counseling professionals, including the latest technology, marketing and communication tools.

The exhibit hall featured more than 160 companies showcasing products and services that assist counseling professionals, including the latest technology, marketing and communication tools.

The counselors' college fair provided an opportunity for all of the national conference attendees to share information, network with colleagues and meet with representatives from approximately 500 colleges and universities. I made many good contacts with the myriad of represented colleges.

Networking also occurred at the many hosted receptions sponsored by various colleges and organizations. Attending this conference was time well spent.

Prior to the conference, I participated in the college-sponsored overnight tour of Penn State Harrisburg and the main campus of Penn State. Both schools offer many diverse educational opportunities. School spirit abounds at the main campus, especially in Paternoville.