Reflections on Worldwide ERC National Relocation Conference

Wondering where I have been?  All over the place!  In mid-May I was in Las Vegas for the Worldwide ERC National Relocation Conference, followed by a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!  While vacations are rare for me, what is even more rare is for me to take one without so much as a laptop.  On this particular occasion though, a work-free zone had been established.  But, what I want to focus on today, is the Worldwide ERC Conference.

And what a Conference it was!  I have attended many WERC Conferences over the years, including 5 of the last 5, and I have to say that this one was by far the best one I have ever attended.  Why, you ask?  For starters, there seemed to be an indescribable, indisputable energy surrounding the Conference.  The chatter was lively and the networking was incredible!  I also thought that the educational sessions were great and the speakers exceptional. 

Technology and social media also played a big part in the Conference.  There was a live Twitter board that allowed attendees to view the live tweets going on throughout the Conference.  As an avid tweeter, I really loved taking part in this!

One of the big changes that has occurred as a benefit to members has to do with the administering of the GMS (Global Mobility Specialist) Program, which I attended on the 2 days leading up to the Conference.  This program is divided into 3 separate Modules, the first of which was only available on-line, while Modules 2 & 3 were conducted in a live classroom setting.  The fact that Module 1 was only available on-line was a switch to the traditional way the Program has been structured, with all 3 Modules taken in a classroom setting.  Soon all 3 Modules will be available on-line, making it easier for relocation industry professionals to take the Modules toward receiving their GMS Designation.  For more information on the GMS Designation, please visit:  GMS Information

As Worldwide ERC continues to evolve through the dynamic leadership of CEO Peggy Smith and the actions taken by the Board, members and conference attendees continue to be amazed.  As promised by Peggy when she took over the position a year ago, Worldwide ERC has really been listening to its members and rolling out new initiatives and benefits that were echoed throughout the conference.  Everyone I spoke with remarked about the renewed energy level and cross-the-board improvements being made by the organization.

I am already looking forward to the Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium, which will be held in Denver in October.  See you there!

In Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) Designation
Houston Relocation
Socal Media
Technology
Worldwide ERC

Upcoming Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference

If it seems like I just returned from Vegas for a relocation trip, you are right.  I was just there for 6 days in March for the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio Conferences.  And tomorrow, I head back to Vegas for more.  This time it is for the Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference.  It is sure to be a jam-packed, fun-filled 5 days.

It all kicks off with the Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) Training Program.  This program consists of 3 Modules, the first of which I was able to take on-line prior to the Conference.  Once I have completed all 3 Modules and taken the comprehensive exam, I will have earned my GMS designation.  This designation will signify that I am specialized in the field of global workforce mobility and that I am committed to ongoing education to grow my expertise.  Having assisted many international assignees over the past 11 years, I understand the importance of the GMS education and look forward to enhancing my knowledge in this area.

Due to an overlapping of scheduled events, I will unfortunately not be able to attend the RDC (Relocation Directors Council) Conference this time.  I will, however, be attending the RDC Dinner, and look forward to catching up with my many Relocation Director buddies at that time, and throughout the week.

I am also excited to be presenting for the first time at the Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference.  I will be presenting at a session entitled, “Social Media Lab – BYOL (Bring Your Own Laptop).”  This should be a very fun and informative hands-on session on social media marketing.  It will be held on Thursday, May 19th at 1:45, so I hope you can make it if you are attending the Conference.

Last, but not least, I have also been nominated for the 2010 Editorial Achievement Award, for my contributions to MOBILITY magazine, the monthly publication of Worldwide ERC.  The winner will be announced during the awards luncheon at the WERC Conference.  I wish that I could say that it’s an honor just to be nominated, but who am I kidding…I am in it to win it!  Please wish me luck.

So, there you have it…I have an exciting week coming up, and I am sure to tweet and blog my way through the week.  To follow me, please be sure and click on the links below.

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In Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) Designation
Houston Relocation
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
Luxury Portfolio
Relocation Directors Council (RDC)
Socal Media