Whatever your summer plans, be sure to attend the all-inclusive 2012 NEOEA Summer Leadership Conference on July 25-26. NEOEA’s Summer Leadership Committee has worked tirelessly to make this the best conference ever, and we are excited that this year’s event will be held at the beautiful Bertram Inn and Conference Center in Aurora, Ohio. This is great news because everything will happen under one roof at one reasonable cost. Centrally located for NEOEA members with promising technological capabilities for all, educators from northeastern Ohio will gather in a relaxed atmosphere for training and networking with other local association leaders and members.

Simply check in on Wednesday and get started by attending the early bird workshops followed by dinner, where we will hear our keynote speaker. Before retiring to your comfortable accommodations, have fun mingling with statewide leaders and fellow conference attendees at our reception by the pool. Enjoy breakfast on Thursday prior to attending your morning workshops followed by a delicious lunch and afternoon workshops before the conference ends at 2:30 p.m. But don’t stop there – why not plan a great mini-summer vacation close to home? The Bertram Inn has graciously extended their reasonable rates for those who would like to spend an extra day or two poolside, play a round of golf at the nearby Barrington Club, dine at Bertram’s award-winning Four Diamond restaurant, The Leopard, or visit the popular Paws sushi bar. You can also take advantage of their shuttle service to visit the many attractions in the surrounding Aurora area for the entire family.

The friends and contacts you make during the social activities are as big a part of the conference as the knowledge gained from the formal sessions. You will have a choice of attending 23 workshops addressing the concerns of the diverse members of NEOEA, from first-time attendees to those looking forward to retirement. You will have the option to join roundtables where veteran leaders discuss their perspectives and share their wisdom, or perhaps learn how our associations are run or how to communicate the pro-public education message. Attend training sessions for local treasurers, bargainers, grievance chairs and much more. One new addition to this year’s conference will be a presentation by the NEA Health Information Network reviewing their School Crisis Guide. This session will help you to be prepared before, during, and after a school crisis.

If you are a new leader, a veteran leader facing new challenges, or a member who wants to learn more about the operation of your association, the 2012 Summer Leadership Conference is for you. Find the registration forms in News & Views, check at www.neoea.org/SLC, or call the NEOEA office for registration.

The NEOEA Summer Leadership Committee looks forward to seeing you at The Bertram Inn.