2010 Fund Conference Provides Cost-Effective Educational and Networking Opportunities
By Stacy Hobbs
This year’s theme was all about getting connected with coworkers and colleagues. By that measure and many more, the conference was a success! Held at the Hyatt Regency Austin Hotel from April 25-27, the conference hosted over 500 people, representing nearly 300 Fund members. For over ten years, the Fund has offered timely and targeted educational opportunities at the annual Members’ Conference. We understand the financial burden of traveling for conferences and are proud to provide the right solution for your tight budgets.
Sunday evening weather provided the perfect backdrop for a come-and-go Early-Bird dinner at Zax Restaurant within walking distance from the Hyatt. Members mixed and mingled while relaxing outdoors and enjoying spring time in Austin.
For over ten years, the Fund has offered timely and targeted educational opportunities at the annual Members’ Conference.
Everyone was up bright and early Monday morning to hear the keynote address provided by Jim “The Rookie” Morris. With roots firmly established in Texas as a teacher at Reagan County High School, Jim regaled everyone with family tales about his grandfather and baseball. Jim was a “homerun” with members; his inspiring message taught us that we can do whatever we set our minds to and, more importantly, to never stop reaching for the stars.
There were 24 educational breakout sessions to choose from this year, including several two- hour courses on School Safety and A Day in the Life of Risk Management. Monday at lunch, ten deserving winners were presented with the 2010 Fund Innovation Award for their ingenuity and successes within their individual risk management efforts. Monday evening, another networking opportunity arose when members met in the Hyatt Marker 10 Bar and Patio area for a two-hour reception. The weather cooperated in a big way… once again!
Tuesday morning, members got an early start on their final rounds of breakout sessions and then participated in the second year of Risk Management Roundtables.
If you are interested in participating on a conference and seminar topic selection committee, contact Stacy.Hobbs@tasb.org for more information.
A series of 19 tables served as a forum for discussion on pertinent topics such as Issues Facing Community Colleges, Property Loss Advice, Online WC Claim Reporting, and much more.
To conclude the conference, Fund Chair, Kevin Carbo and Dubravka Romano, Associate Executive Director of TASB Risk Management Services, conducted the Annual Coverage Credit Drawings for $1,000, $3,000 and $5,000. All members who stayed until the end and submitted a conference evaluation form were eligible to win. Once the winners were announced, everyone was bid adieu with hope for a safe drive home.
We know many Fund members come to conference every year, and we thank you for your continued support. If you have not attended any Fund training, there are plenty of opportunities. The Fund Fall Seminars will take place in September and October and new webinars will be announced later this summer as well. Keep an eye on your e-mail for details.
Next year’s conference will be held again at the Hyatt Regency Austin Hotel from April 17-19, 2011. We hope to see many familiar and new faces, so save the date and mark your calendars today!
