Each of NASDCTEc’s annual meetings affords us an opportunity to improve as a result of feedback from session leaders and attendees. We structured the 2014 Fall Meeting with your comments, reflections and suggestions in mind to offer you the best professional development and networking opportunities we can provide.
Below are just a few illustrative comments we’ve received over the last year – and how our upcoming meeting has been designed in response to them.
From Fall Meeting 2013:  “I would have liked to see a few sessions that were more interactive and engaging…It would be beneficial for more hands-on sessions where there is group work or small group discussion.”
We heard you! This year’s meeting has adopted a new framework, including new Collaboration Roundtables on a wide range of State CTE Director-selected topics, to maximize engagement between attendees so that a variety of perspectives can contribute under the moderation of our expert session facilitators. These sessions are designed to be rich, interactive and inclusive.
From Spring Meeting 2014: “Panel sessions could have provided more Q&A from audience for increased engagement.”
Balancing time for presentations, networking, and feedback is of paramount importance. In years past we have attempted to open the floor earlier and limit panel discussion so that the crowd could participate. This year we’ve made sure there is ample time for each session and made sure no session has too many speakers (or PPTs).
From Spring Meeting 2014: “Would like to see more discussion around building industry partnerships.”
Collaboration is at the core of this meeting. Business and industry partnerships are a crucial element of the future of CTE and our agenda reflects that, with the release of new cross-state data, a collaboration roundtable and morning panel all focused on employer engagement.
From Fall Meeting 2013: “It would be nice to have more restaurant options” and “It would be great to be closer to the Inner Harbor”
We agree! We’re excited to offer buses to and from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for dinner on Tuesday night. (All other meals are provided in the meeting itself).  Get ready for some crab cakes!
Learn more about the amazing array of speakers and resource experts participating at our Fall meeting here and register today!

Kate Blosveren, Associate Executive Director