2010 CCA Annual Convention & Expo

Hot Topics

CCA covers all topics impacting the education industry, but here are a few that deserve special attention. We have outlined three topics of interest to education marketers and prepared a few questions to help guide your time at CCA.

Title IV – Regulatory Updates:

Questions it raises:

• What is the current status of the upcoming legislative draft?

• How can marketers prepare for any potential changes?

• How will Bob Shiremann’s imminent departure impact educational intuitions?

Presentation on this topic:

Federal Legislative Update: Priorities & Next Steps

Thursday June 10, 2:45 pm

Social Media – effective use in marketing in the educational sector

Questions it raises:

• What is the true value of social media as part of the digital marketing mix?

• What are best practices educational institutions have deployed?

• How to properly rollout and maintain a social media effort?

Presentation on this topic:

Seven Social Media Tips You Can Learn From Big Brands

Wednesday June 9, 3:00 pm

Lead Scoring – implementation practices

Questions it raises:

• What are the various forms of lead scoring available?

• How to custom set up lead scoring for your school?

• What are the technical options for implementation?

Presentations on this topic:

A “New School” Approach to Successful Enrollment -

Secrets for Winning in the Online World Successfully Engaging New Online Learners

Friday June 11, 10 am

Top Presentations

Since CCA covers such a broad range of topics, GearyPMG has picked its favorite sessions from this year’s conference. If you have to pick and choose sessions, these are the ones we recommend.

Is Higher Education Doing the “Job”?

Date: Wednesday June 9, 3:15 pm
Speakers: Elise Scanlon, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP; Anne Neal, American Council of Trustees and Alumni; Howard Block, National Technology Transfer

Lessons Learned from Implementing Technology Enhanced Outcome Management

Date: Thursday June 10, 2:45 pm
Speaker: Brian McKay Epp, Pearson eCollege

Successfully Engaging New Online Learners

Date: Friday June 11, 8 am
Speakers: Ken Switzer & Charlotte Redden, Westwood Online

A “New School” Approach to Successful Enrollment – Secrets for Winning in the Online World

Date: Friday June 11, 10 am
Speakers: Jeff Solomon, Leads360; Brad Johnson, Greenwood & Hall

How Many Ways Will Buyers Love Your PSE Company – Sellers’ Experiences

Date: Friday June 11, 10 am
Speakers: Neil Lefkowitz, Dickstein Shapiro LLP; Joe Davis, MedTech College; Arthur Benjamin, ATI Schools & Colleges; Daniel Black, The Wicks Group, LLC

Preparation Tips

Here is a quick list of things to think about before gearing up for CCA.

Pick your sessions wisely.

Since CCA has parallel sessions, it is important to plan out which sessions you want to attend. There is a sea of content being presented, so do not miss out on information that means the most to you and your organization. Think of any pertinent questions before entering a session, and try to summarize your session notes with your top 3 nuggets of learning immediately after the session (it only takes 2 minutes to do but has a huge learning effect). This way you can get the most out of each session and be prepared to take information back to your organization for implementation. Also, ask for the Twitter handle a session may use as you can then at the end of the day or conference read up on the session feed where you can find out what others are thinking about the content.

Know your map.

The exhibit hall is where most of the action at CCA will happen. Take a look at the exhibit hall map, to get an idea of the companies and service providers you want to meet. Research them before the conference, so you are knowledgeable about their offerings. Mark the booths that you are planning on visiting ahead of time. Scheduling appointments at booths are very helpful and ensure that you find the person of desired knowledge when stopping by. If they are exhibiting, they are there waiting to meet you and would love to schedule a time for you. Make any necessary appointments, and don’t forget to swing by the Geary PMG, booth #930.

Take notes on business cards.

To keep track of your conversations and contacts, take notes on the back of the business cards you collect. Whether it’s their Twitter handle or where you met, this will make your follow up more personable and impactful. Develop a code or nomenclature if you must, but make sure you stay in touch with the people you meet at CCA.

Have a solid schedule.

If you are scheduling meetings with clients or colleagues, try to pick locations that are nearby the conference. This way you can still make all of your sessions, but you can have your meeting without the chaos of the expo hall. It also provides a good opportunity to invite your contacts to the conference—extending your meetings and business relationships.

Use happy hours and networking to your advantage.

CCA will have plenty of networking events to attend. Make sure you plan accordingly to make the most of these casual events. Some of the best networking is done at these events because you can approach people in an informal context—without overt business overtones. By no means are we suggesting throwing professionalism out the window, but we would recommend sticking around for the after-conference events. Your rolodex will thank you.

Take advantage of every opportunity.

Every session and every meeting is a marketing opportunity. Take advantage of the experts and contacts at CCA and have fun. You’ll find new ideas, meet new contacts and have a great chance to sell your company to others in the education industry. When you return to the office after CCA, follow up with interesting contacts and see if any business prospects exist. Parlay conference interactions into meetings, emails or social network connects. You never know where a contact might lead.