Hundreds of college and university commencement officers and convocation professionals are headed to Nevada in the coming days to sharpen their leadership skills, gain professional insights, and share new ideas with peers through networking opportunities.

Association: North American Association of Commencement Officers

Conference: 2019 NAACO Annual Conference

Venue: Peppermill Reno Hotel Resort

Location: Reno, Nevada

NAACO 2019 starts on Monday morning with an opening session featuring keynoter Angie Taylor, Ph.D. The president and CEO of Guardian Quest, Inc., will discuss why small things can make a big difference and how that applies to commencement professionals on the job and at home. Also on the agenda:

Conference buddies. A mentoring program is available that will pair new attendees with an established member of the association. Mentors assist with navigating the conference, facilitate introductions, and answer mentees’ questions. These pairs are also invited to the New to NAACO Breakfast on the opening morning.

NAACO cares. Since 2004, the conference committee has selected a local charity and asked attendees to make contributions. This year’s organization is the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, which provides emergency food services to families. In addition, NAACO will be collecting attendees’ unused hotel toiletries for the Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality.

Night out. The meeting’s evening celebration will take place at the National Automobile Museum, which features more than 200 cars. After exploring the different types of classic cars and special exhibits, attendees will put on their dancing boots and do some line dancing.

Head to Twitter (#NAACO19) for other details.

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