2011 Adoption Exchange Association Conference
Communities of Practice • May 24-26
• Wyndham Orlando Resort
Everyone who attended the 2011 AEA Conference in Orlando, Florida is still buzzing about it. What a wonderful conference it was! There was a tremendous variety of high-quality speakers and workshops, lots of time for networking, a moving awards ceremony, and a beautiful setting. Among my favorite conference moments was Dixie van de Flier Davis’s opening session where she got everyone up and moving and got our minds fully engaged in the conference theme, Communities of Interest. I feel particularly honored to have been joined by both Charles Lansberry and Paul Pearson, the husbands of Lillian Lansberry and Barbara Pearson, whose dedication to AEA has helped to shape the organization and the adoption field. AEA is thrilled to honor the memory of these dedicated adoption professionals. Rita Soronen, Executive Director of The Dave Thomas Foundation brought closure to the three days with her moving and candid talk about the success of Wednesday’s Wonderful Kids.
But maybe most important for all of us were those evenings spent at tables near the pool’s edge talking, strategizing, and strengthening our bonds into the wee hours. Thank you to everyone who made time in busy schedules to be together! Here are just a handful of the comments received after the Conference:
"Great conference, great information – and outstanding opportunities to connect! Thanks for all your hard work."
“I very much enjoyed the way the conference was organized into general session and workshops. The speakers were fabulous and I felt that I gained useful information that I can put into proactive immediately. The networking opportunities were great, I wish I had brought more business cards.”
"I REALLY thought the conference was wonderful. Thank you to Rachel and all of the members of the conference planning committee...great job!"
“First time I've attended an AEA conference and I am so glad I did! Thank you for a great experience and great information. I fully intend to attend in the future!”
"Our committee raised the bar this year! It was a really great conference. Thanks to every one of you."
2011 Conference Program (PDF - 3056KB)
2011 Conference Photo Album
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