I’ve been fortunate to be able to attend many industry conferences over the years. Most recently I attended DEMA in September, and Nannypalooza in November, and I’m looking forward to INA in March.
Even after 24 years of attending events, I always come away with new information and insights.
This year was no exception. At DEMA I learned that one can change career paths yet still remain in touch with many of the same aspects of the nanny industry. While I may not wear my nanny hat every day, I am still and always will be ‘nanny’ when it comes to caring for others. The experience of dealing with the challenging 2 year old temper tantrum helps me deal with stubborn vendors and contractors.
Networking is key in this industry and you have to step outside your comfort zone. You can’t wait for others to find you – you need to put yourself in situations and make yourself known.
I was fortunate at DEMA to meet Nancy Laine who gave me a LinkedIn makeover, and I can now share that information with others. LinkedIn is your professional page and Facebook is your personal page – don’t confuse the two.
Never underestimate the power of a nice suit, a black dress and a bow tie!
Nannypalooza continues to bring so many new nannies to their conference, I enjoy seeing the fresh faces and everyone meeting and realizing there are so many nannies out there to meet, learn from and share in this industry. Thanks to great sponsors and volunteers, the conference is affordable to all and Sue Downey does an amazing job of pulling expert speakers on topics that are current and much talked about.
This year at Nannypalooza I was able to participate in a panel and speak on my experience working with divorced parents. Many nannies have this work environment and all families are different. But knowing that other nannies face this day-to-day and that there are other nannies to turn to for advice is something Nannypalooza brings to its attendees.
Industry conferences are available throughout the year. INA, National Nanny Training Day, DEMA, Nannypalooza and NAEYC are open to nannies across the country. Don’t forget local nanny support groups, local agency trainings, parent groups and even school sponsored events.
Kellie Geres
Regarding Nannies Development Team