Advice to first-time SCCE CEI’ers (…and those who have not taken full advantage of the CEI)

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Compliance & Ethics Institute CEIKittyHoltHeadshot20160517By Kitty Holt, CCEP

In 2011, I attended my first SCCE Compliance & Ethics Institute (CEI), and have gone every year since.  I regret that I will not be able to go this year but, as it will be my 25th wedding anniversary during the CEI, I believe I am making the right choice in order to enjoy 25 more years of marriage!

I made a lot of mistakes in 2011 and would like to give new CEI’ers (and those who have not taken full advantage of the CEI) my top 10 tips on what to do before, at, and during the conference.

  • First and foremost, leave plenty of extra room in your luggage.  You might bring home t-shirts, brochures, umbrellas, key chains, mugs, phone chargers, notebooks, pens, and who-knows-what else.  I did not expect this at my first CEI and my suitcase paid the price.

 

  • Don’t be afraid of the exhibitors!  During my first CEI, I avoided eye contact with the exhibitors and barely spoke to any (except to get the items in #1 above…).  The next year, realizing they were there to help me, I sought out many of them, and enjoy working with some of them today.  I encourage you to review the list of exhibitors and be intentional about speaking with them – where else will you find so many people who can help you under one roof?

 

  • Talk to people as you are waiting for a session to start, while eating breakfast or lunch, or during one of the many networking breaks.  If you are an introvert like myself, approach people who are alone.  (If you are an extrovert, approach anyone you want!)  You never know what you might have in common and what connections you might make.

 

  • If you can get in a day early and help with the Saturday volunteering event, do it!  It’s a nice way to meet people, give back to the community, and possibly learn a new skill.

 

  • Participate in the Speed Networking event, especially if you are the only person attending from your organization.  It’s a great way to meet people at the beginning of the conference, and to make long-term contacts.

 

  • Get your photo taken!  Every year, I make it a point to get my photo taken at the SCCE conference and use it in my LinkedIn profile for the next year.

 

  • Come for the pre- and post-sessions if you can.  The sessions are longer, the speakers go into more depth, the audience can ask more questions, and you can leave with much more information.

 

  • If you are part of a group, hold an affinity meeting there.  I am part of a non-profit compliance group and we typically get together every year, debrief on the conference and discuss our takeaways, and enjoy snacks while we do so.

 

  • Use the SCCE’s mobile app and take notes with it.  Then, at the end of each day, review your notes and record your action items, so that you can put them into practice when you return to your office.

 

  • Get outside!  You are going to have your brain filled with information for several days.  Whether it’s an early-morning jog or an architectural boat tour in the evening, get out and enjoy your host city.

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