Focus: AIGA Leadership Retreat
Embassy Suites Omaha-Downtown
Omaha, Nebraska
May 29–31
leadershipretreat.aiga.org
Schedule highlights
“Office hours” with Ric Grefé
“How to get more involved with AIGA” with Amy Chapman
Drop by the lower level of the Atrium to discuss concerns, questions, requests and comments with Richard Grefé, AIGA executive director. You can also learn how to get involved with national AIGA initiatives, task forces and projects with Amy Chapman, volunteer project manager.
“Office hours” will be held Friday and Saturday mornings and evenings. Note that the hotel offers complimentary breakfast each morning and a manager’s reception each evening in the lower level of the Atrium.
Breakout sessions
Breakout sessions are the heart of the retreat. These sessions are your chance to participate in focused discussions about chapter-related topics such as community service, sustainability, running a board retreat and how to revitalize a chapter. Whether you are a returning attendee or a first-timer, your participation and input is valuable. View the entire list of breakout sessions and decide which two you would like to attend.
“Focus” exercises
All chapter leaders face the same couple of questions: “What is AIGA?”; “Why should I join AIGA? What do I get out of it?”; and “How can I ensure that members and potential members always feel welcome and engaged in the community?” Throughout the retreat, you will work in groups to develop responses, elevator pitches and strategies in reaction to these questions. By building on your insight and experiences, these group activities will leave you feeling confident and equipped with clear answers and solid action plans that you need to serve your chapter as a strong and effective leader.
Arriving early? Attend the Wednesday evening
AIGA Nebraska reception
Welcome to Omaha! Join AIGA Nebraska for a pre-retreat reception at The Max, just a few short blocks from the Embassy Suites. The reception kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Get acquainted with your fellow retreat attendees on the large outdoor patio in the rear of the club. Light appetizers will be served. Stick around after the reception for drinks and dancing at this expansive dance club or connect with one of the Nebraska chapter representatives for a guided tour of the Old Market area.
Calling all party animals! Don’t miss AIGA Portland’s party at the Zoo
Close the 2008 retreat and pass the torch on to our next host. Join AIGA Portland in the Treetop Lounge above the Henry Doorly Zoo’s world-famous indoor rainforest. Come relax and enjoy the locally made refreshments.
Reminder
Prepare by taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Saturday afternoon’s leadership training session, Personality, Leadership and Teamwork, led by David Schacter of New York University, will use principles behind Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (an assessment tool used for understanding personality) to help enhance leadership and teamwork skills. Understand how your personality may influence your behavior in relation to your board, come to appreciate why you may not understand everyone’s preferences and identify specific behaviors you may want to add to your repertoire.
