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"It will change your life."
"We are a family. It's like a huge family reunion."
"You can't explain it. You've got to experience it."
Those statements are probably the three most common quotes from anyone who has ever attended an NSA Conference. It really is unlike ANY conference you've ever attended in your entire life.
Imagine, if you will, being in a place where almost EVERYONE stutters. And nearly everyone understands what you're going through. We've all been where you are, had the same thoughts and fears, had very similar experiences. You can walk up to almost anyone and start a conversation and they will understand immediately what's going through your mind. And they're glad you're there! Come on, let's sit down and talk or go the bar and have a drink or go out to eat or attend a workshop. Sound impossible? Ha, ha! It's not! It happens all the time at an NSA conference.
An NSA conference attracts several hundred people each year. We had less than 100 in 1986 in San Francisco (my first conference) and more than 600 in Parsippany/NYC in 2008. And all the nicest people on the planet! The conference is filled with laughter, friendship, support, information, excitement, encouragement, motivation, new ideas, new perspectives - and of course love. And yes, there are often tears of sorrow for missing member or friends who have meant so much to us in the past who for various reasons are unable to attend this year. As I said, we are a family, and we treat each other like family members.
The conference is generally held in late June or early July of each year and typically starts on Thursday and lasts through Saturday night. Here is a typical conference schedule. (It will change slightly in Scottsdale.)
Monday or Tuesday: The "old timers" arrive to get a jump on seeing old friends.
Wednesday: The NSA board meeting and some special events are often planned.
Thursday: The Chapter Leaders' meeting, First Timers' event, opening ceremonies and workshops begin. Partying begins in earnest.
Friday: More workshops, and special events such as city tours are conducted in the evening.
Saturday: Final workshop, the closing ceremonies, the banquet, the auction, and the most fun dance in the world.
Sunday: People begin leaving to return to the "real world." Lots of tears. "See you next year!"
Sunday evening: The people who stay on go out to eat and reminisce about everything. A bittersweet time...
Most official events are scheduled during the day or in the evening. But in truth, this is a 24/7 event. Spontaneous and informal talk sessions spring up continually, and often last far into the night. Sleep is in incredibly short supply. People go out to eat and dance and laugh and explore the town together. Friendships - long lasting and very meaningful friendships - begin in minutes, not days or weeks like they generally do. It's like nothing you've ever experienced before.
Did it really happen?
"I've attended every convention since 1986 except one in 1992. And every time when I get back home, I'll have a very unreal "empty" feeling, generally when I'm mowing the grass, and wonder to myself, 'Did it really happen?' Then I'll look at my conference t-shirt and read my email and talk to both new and old friends on the phone. Yes it really did happen. And I can't WAIT till next year!"
- Russ Hicks, Past President of the Dallas Chapter/ NSA Member of the Year, 2000
Come join us. It'll change your life!
See also the Annual Conference section and the conference FAQs.
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