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The AORE National Office is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative at the 2016 Annual Conference aimed at enhancing the membership experience for conference attendees. The “Collaborate” sessions will provide an opportunity for conference attendees to connect with members who share similar qualities or experiences. In essence, the aim of these sessions is to “shrink” the size of the conference in order to facilitate networking and relationship-building among members.
The creation of the Collaborate sessions stems directly from member feedback expressing a desire for more time and space to meet and interact with other members while at the conference. Along with evening socials and networking lunches, the Collaborate sessions will add an additional space to create community within the Association.
The format of these sessions will be akin to a roundtable discussion or informal meet-up; 1-2 session leaders may facilitate discussion topics but the flow and feel of each session will be largely directed by the attendees themselves. While these sessions may be subject to change, the current slate includes:
New Professionals
A community aimed at new and entry-level professionals with 1- 4 years of professional experience and graduate students who are about to complete their degree.
People of Color
This community will discuss issues specific to racial and ethnic minorities who work and/or participate in outdoor recreation.
Faculty/Academics
This community will bring together faculty, students, and/or members interested in scholarship and research pertaining to outdoor recreation.
Municipal, MWR, Non-Profit Entities
As AORE’s membership continues to diversify beyond the collegiate outdoor recreation sector, this session will create a community of non-college rec professionals to meet and learn from one another.
First-Time Attendees and New Members
This session will provide new members and first-time attendees with a space to meet each other and learn about opportunities to get involved within the Association
Women & LGBTQ
Working and participating in a historically straight/male-dominated industry presents a variety of challenges and opportunities for women and those who identify as LGBTQ. This session provides a space for these participants to share their experiences and address continuing issues.
Upper-Level Administrators
A community aimed at senior-mid-level and upper-level administrators with 7+ years of recreation administration experience.
"CollAbORatE" Sessions at 2016 Annual Conference
Sessions will be hosted throughout Wednesday in the West Lounge. Sessions will last approximately 40 minutes – 45 minutes. Check the website or conference guide for specific times of each session. No advance registration is required. Members are welcome to attend multiple Collaborate sessions. Don’t forget to bring your business cards!
Do you have an idea for a future Collaborate community or want to be involved as a discussion leader? Contact Emily Thomas or Kellie Gerbers to share your ideas or to gain more information on the Collaborate sessions.
Emily Thomas: [email protected]
Kellie Gerbers: [email protected]
Kellie Gerbers, AORE Board of Directors Member