Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Richard Abernathy

Executive Viewpoint We Did It!

Now, Let’s Go Out and Get it DONE!

We have had a first in the history of AAEA. We just completed

Dr. Richard Abernathy our first Virtual AAEA

AAEA Executive Director Summer Conference, and I thought it went very well. We had over around 1000 registered and 48 virtual exhibitors. This is definitely different than the traditional onsite Summer Conferences that we have held from the time the association began in 1976. With anything, there are good points and bad points in change.

On the positive side, we were able to able to add several breakout sessions around COVID and other hot topics. We would not have been able to do this with an on-site conference due to availability of space. We attracted several administrators who would not have been able to attend if it had been on-site. We were able to record several breakout sessions so administrators can have access to those discussions at a later date. There are many other positive things that have occurred by having a virtual conference.

The main downside of the virtual conference is the lack of networking. Administrators build their support system by networking with other administrators. Then when we have a problem or issue we are facing, we can contact our support system to help us work through the particular issue. By networking with each other out in the lobby or after the conference ends for the day, we find out how others are conducting business and learn about new programs to help our students. All of this was missing this summer.

Our AAEA staff always look forward to the Summer Conference. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun, and we enjoy seeing everyone from across the state. We really missed that this year. But we have all had to adjust to a “new normal” due to the pandemic we are faced with. We are grateful that we could still have a Summer Conference virtually and still offer the great presentations we had scheduled. Our conference theme was “Best Year Ever!” With the challenges you are currently faced with, it will be different than usual, but it can still be a great year.

Good luck to each of you as you start out the new school year. I feel confident that you will adjust, as school administrators are accustomed to doing, and provide excellent learning opportunities for our students across the state. The AAEA is here to support you in your work. Please reach out to us if we may be of assistance. I hope you have the Best Year Ever!