Earlier this month, the two premiere conferences for community college professionals were convened in Baltimore, Maryland: the Conference for Community College Advancement and the Conference for Community College Grant Professionals.  

We asked a few members of the conference committees for some quick thoughts on how the conferences went. Both groups came together on Oct. 17 for a luncheon and keynote presentation described as “a thought-share about steering through inevitability changing and ever-challenging circumstances with focus and resolve.” It seemed to be a highlight for many in attendance! 

Favorite Moment   

“Our keynote speaker, Brian Bedford (“Navigating Changing and Challenging Times”), was truly one of the most memorable I’ve experienced in my career. His energy was absolutely contagious, and he had the entire ballroom in the palm of his hand from start to finish! It was a powerful and engaging presentation that will stick with me for a long time, and especially as I returned to the office this week… refreshed, inspired, and ready to tackle the year ahead.” –Billy Dunbar, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Metropolitan Community College, Missouri (CCCA Conference Committee) 

“The keynote was on fire! I have reminder notes throughout my home and campus offices [now] to remember the ‘why!’ The ‘why’ provides the drive and motivation I need to support programs and the college's strategic plan continuously. I will make an effort to infuse the ‘why’ into my day-to-day activities in hopes that it will make a difference and positively impact students, the community, and the industry the college serves.” – Tora Lee Wright, Grants Developer, College of Southern Maryland (CCCGP Conference Committee) 

“I love that we were able to come together for the lunch keynote. Brian Bedford gave a great keynote address. And who knew we need ‘walk-up music’ when we present? My personal favorite moment was my crab antennae pic!” – Becky McDermott, Director of Grants Development, Hagerstown Community College, Maryland (CCCGP Conference Committee Co-Chair) 

Networking “Set a Positive Tone” 

“I really enjoyed seeing the dynamic mix of seasoned professionals and newcomers at the pre-conference workshop. It was inspiring to witness the energy and open exchange of ideas, with everyone so eager to share their experiences and learn from each other. That kind of engagement really set a positive tone for the rest of the conference. Multiple conference-goers came up to me throughout the conference and thanked our planning team for the opportunity to have those moments.” – Dunbar 

A Networking Bonus 

“I’m part of a grants affinity group for the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. We meet regularly but often by Zoom, and it’s not often we are in the same room together. Luckily, many of our members attended or were part of the planning committee. I think we felt some new synergy and [now] the group would like to build on that momentum. We are looking forward to planning a retreat next spring so that we can bring that ‘conference energy’ into our group!” – McDermott 

Being Together After Months of Planning  

“It was a pleasure to meet some of my esteemed committee members in person. There was an instant bond and positive energy during these moments. Also, it was great to see the end product and hear the participants’ positive feedback about various presentations and keynote speakers.” –Wright 

A Sharing Spirit 

“One of the takeaways from the sessions I participated in is that we all appreciate learning from our peers and sharing ways to make our work more accessible, efficient, and productive. CASE really does mean Copy and Share Everything!” – McDermott 

“Grant professionals are very supportive! Presenters were eager to share information beyond their presentations. If they could not address an inquiry, they provided their contact information for a later follow-up.” – Wright 

Bringing It Home!  

“After participating in a CASE conference, I am always excited to share what I’ve learned from my peers and experts in the field—and look for those one or two ideas that can spark transformation in our advancement or grant work.” – McDermott 

“This CASE Conference for Community College Advancement  was particularly special for me. In the past, I've attended as a marketing and communications professional. Over the summer I took on a new role in advancement, so I was eager to gain as much knowledge as possible from sessions focusing on fundraising and development. The sessions were just what I had hoped for and the connections that I made with peers will be invaluable. I returned to work excited and full of ideas.” – Rena Young, Vice President for Marketing & Advancement /Executive Director, HCC Foundation, Hopkinsville Community College, Kentucky (CCCA Conference Committee)