Are you ready to make the most of your experience at I am Diplomacy? The 2016 National Meeting is moving forward as planned on January 27 – 30 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC.
To help you prepare, here are 6 ways maximize your time at the meeting:
- Get There Safely! (In the wake of #Snowzilla)
- Brush Up on Your Networking Skills
- Prepare to Meet Your Member of Congress
- Pick Your Professional Development Goals
- Join the Conversation Online
- Remember the Do’s and Don’ts
QUICK LINKS
Want to know more about the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting? Explore with these links:
GET THERE SAFELY! (IN THE WAKE OF #SNOWZILLA)
As Washington, DC and the entire East Coast digs out from a historic blizzard, be sure to review and adjust your travel plans as necessary. In order to help you get there as safely and quickly as possible, here are a few helpful links:
Public Transportation: Washington, DC Metro Service Status
City Streets: Washington, DC plow map and traffic cams
Airport Status:
For those of you staying at the Omni Shoreham Hotel (where the meeting is taking place), if your travel plans change, call the hotel at 202.234.0700.
BRUSH UP ON YOUR NETWORKING SKILLS
Networking is the #1 reason people attend the National Meeting (professional development is #2), so get ready! Here are the top five tips based on the experience and expertise of past attendees:
#5: BE PREPARED
- Write down your goals. Do you want to put a name to a face you’ve been emailing all year? Are you looking for new business partners? Do you want to talk to a peer about a particular challenge or opportunity? Coming up with a networking agenda ahead of time will help you focus and stay on track throughout the meeting.
- Memorize your elevator pitch. Can you describe what your organization does in a minute? An elevator pitch helps convey an idea effectively and concisely. Also come armed with your business cards and prepared to talk about your capabilities!
- Get ready to break the ice. This year, play networking Networking Bingo to help break the ice and win prizes! Look for your bingo card and instructions in the materials when you check in at the registration desk.
If you’re a first-time attendee, come to the First Time Attendee Orientation on Thursday from 8:15 – 8:45! Global Ties U.S. staff members Franzi Rook and Jason Terry will be holding an informal session on getting your bearings before the day begins.
#4: PLAN AHEAD
Is there someone you’re hoping to run into at the meeting? Don’t just trust in fate—call or email them ahead of time! Set up time to meet for a quick chat at the Meeting Hub, or if you need to have a more in-depth conversation, plan to have breakfast or dinner together. With the National Meeting happening over 4 days, you should have plenty of opportunities to schedule time to connect with colleagues and partners.
#3: FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS
The National Meeting isn’t just a great place to exchange ideas and make business connections. It also allows you to get to know your colleagues on a more personal level. Focus your attention on putting faces to names, building rapport, and getting a sense of each other’s abilities and working styles. You can always follow up after the National Meeting with specifics.
Looking for a fun way to make new connections? Join us on Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. for Coffee and Bingo at the Meeting Hub!
#2: STAND OUT
What makes you, your organization, your city, or your region unique? Come prepared with success stories, upcoming plans and projects, and any exciting news or updates. You never know—talking about your work could inspire the next great idea or partnership.
#1: BE FEARLESS
Does the thought of networking fill you with dread? Relax! Just remember that everyone attending the National Meeting has a common interest: building a better world through international exchanges. It’s the ideal time to promote your organization and strengthen your network of contacts and resources. Don’t just catch up with friends—dedicate some time to branching out and meeting new people! If your existing contacts know someone you’d like to meet, ask for an introduction. And if you know two people who share similar interests or goals but haven’t met yet, make the connection yourself! Venturing out of your comfort zone can lead to some amazing opportunities, so don’t be shy!
Is this an area of focus for you? Learn more about networking opportunities in Pick Your Professional Development Goals
FRIDAY FLASH CHATS!
This year we offer quick talks on a variety of subjects related to international exchange and nonprofit management! Look for the Flash Chat Corner in the Meeting Hub.
2:00 p.m. – Ohio G.R.E.A.T. Lauren T. McGarrity, JD, Globalization Liaison, Ohio Department of Higher Education
2:20 p.m. – Collaborating to Bring Detroit to the World Julie Egan, Director of International Affairs, City of Detroit
2:40 p.m. – Global Leadership Statistics for Women – What Works? Deborah Deichman, Instructor, Graduate School USA
3:00 p.m. – Culinary Diplomacy: The Role of Food in International Exchange Amy Riolo, Award-Winning Author, Chef, and TV Personality
PREPARE TO MEET YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS
The National Meeting is a great time to meet your Congress representative, so take advantage of the opportunity! Learn how to set up a meeting with your Member of Congress.
Then, watch our webinar to get a primer on how Congress works, committee structure and what to expect when attending meetings on Capitol Hill. Read our latest legislative update and download and print your updated community, state and national Impact Reports.
During the National Meeting:
- Pick up your Advocacy Action Packet at Registration – including talking points and Global Ties U.S. leave behind.
- Attend the #ExchangesAre Essential! Advocacy Issue Briefing session on Thursday at 10:15 AM for final prep.
- Use the free shuttle bus service to Capitol Hill (Map of Capitol Hill, schedules, pick-up and drop-off locations will be in your Advocacy Action Packet).
- Take a #CongressionalSelfie! We are asking all participants meeting with take a photo with your Member and their staff and post it on Twitter and Facebook. Don’t forget to tag your Representative in your post and use the hashtag #IamDiplomacy when you do!
- After you’ve visited with your Congressional Delegation, share your meeting experience with us and follow up with a quick thank you note!
Couldn’t Schedule a Meeting with your Member of Congress?
Here are three things you can do to virtually connect with your Representatives if you were not able to schedule a time to meet:
#1: Drop off an information packet at the Capitol Hill offices of your Members of Congress
If you weren’t able to schedule a meeting, consider dropping off information about your programs’ impact at your elected officials’ offices. Come to the registration desk for more information and to pick up a packet!
#2: Share your definition of #IAmDiplomacy with your Member of Congress
Come by the Nerd Nook to participate in our #IamDiplomacy campaign and post it on your Member’s Facebook page, or tag them in your Twitter post!
#3: Follow Your Representatives on Social Media
Keep up with your Rep! Once you know who your elected officials are, use these lists of Senate and House of Representatives social media links to follow them.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Director of External Affairs, at dbremer@GlobalTiesUS.org
Is this an area of focus for you? Learn more about Speaking Up for Exchanges in Pick Your Professional Development Goals
PICK YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Want to brush up on foreign policy? Or learn how to grow your nonprofit? Review the learning tracks to address your professional development goals for the National Meeting and learn from the experts!
- Nonprofit Capacity Building
- Strengthening IVLP Programming Skills
- Understanding Foreign Policy
- Speaking Up for International Exchange
- Networking with Partners
NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING
Wednesday
- 8:30 – 12:00 PM: Fostering Strategic Partnerships (pre-registration required)
Thursday
- 10:15 -11:30 AM: A Picture Worth a Thousand Words: Creating Compelling Visual Storytelling
- 4:00 – 5:15 PM: CBM Executive Leadership Forum (pre-registration required)
Friday
- 9:00 – 10:15 AM: Thinking Strategically Not Just Tactically
- 3:45 – 5:00 PM: #BeyondGoogling: Finding Resource Gems through Social Media
- 3:45 – 5:00 PM: Government Regulations, Guidelines, and GSA… Oh My!
Saturday
- 9:00 -10:15 AM: Leveraging Your Programs for Fundraising Support
- 9:00 – 10:15 AM: Tips for How to Make a Small Shop Work
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Go Further with Member and Donor Databases
STRENGTHENING IVLP PROGRAMMING SKILLS
Wednesday
- 8:30 – 12:00 PM: IVLP Fundamentals (pre-registration required)
Thursday
- 2:15 – 3:45 PM: DC-Based Exchange Professionals Focus Session: Islamic World Perspectives on the U.S.
Friday
- 9:00 – 10:15 AM: Cultural Intelligence 101: Bringing Cultural Competence to International Exchanges
- 9:00 – 10:15 AM: Leaving the Conference Room: Designing Creative Meetings
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Proposal Writing for CBMs: Selling Your City’s Unique Story
Saturday
- 9:00 – 10:15 AM: What Would We Do Without Them? Interpreters and International Visitor Liaisons
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: #EpicFail: Avoiding Social Media Crises in IVLP
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Virtual Reality: Embracing Technology in Digital Age Exchange
UNDERSTANDING FOREIGN POLICY
Wednesday
- 1:00 – 6:00 PM: Exchanges Matter! A Strategic Dialogue on Advancing Peace & Security (off site, pre-registration required)
Thursday
- 10:15 – 11:30 AM: Key Policy Issues in the East Asia and the Pacific Region
- 10:15 – 11:30 AM: LGBTI Programming for International Engagement
- 2:15 – 3:45 PM: DC Exchange Professionals Focus Session: Islamic World Perspectives on the U.S.
Friday
- 9:00 – 10:15 AM: Countering Violent Extremism
- 9:00 – 10:15 AM: Europe and Eurasia: Policy Perspectives
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Entrepreneurship: The Engine of Prosperity
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Key Policy Issues in the Near East & North Africa
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Key Policy Issues in the Western Hemisphere
- 3:45 – 5:00 PM: Building Ties with the African Continent
- 3:45 – 5:00 PM: South and Central Asia: The Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Foreign Perceptions of American Democracy
SPEAKING UP FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES
Wednesday
- 9:00 – 12:00 PM: Evaluating Local Impact (pre-registration required)
- 1:00 – 6:00 PM: Exchanges Matter! A Strategic Dialogue on Advancing Peace & Security (off site, pre-registration required)
Thursday
- 10:15 – 11:30 AM: #ExchangesAre Essential! Advocacy Issue Briefing
- 2:00 – 5:00 PM: Capitol Hill Appointments
Friday
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Amplify #ExchangesMatter: How to Tell Stories About the IVLP
Saturday
- 8:00 – 8:45 AM: Future Directions Breakfast
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Foreign Perceptions of American Democracy
NETWORKING WITH PARTNERS
Wednesday
- 8:30 – 12 PM: Coffee & Bingo in the Meeting Hub
- 6:00 – 7:30 PM: Exchanges Matter! Opening Reception (off site, pre-registration required)
Thursday
- 8:15 – 8:45 AM: Orientation for First-Time Attendees
- 9:00 – 9:45 AM: Plenary Session & Breakfast
- 10:15 -11:30 AM: Partnership Speed Dating
- 12:00 – 1:45 PM: Luncheon with the Ambassadors
- 6:30 – 8:00 PM: U.S. Department of State Reception (off site, pre-registration required)
Friday
- 8:00 – 8:45 AM: Excellence Awards Celebration Breakfast
- 12:15 – 1:45 PM: Citizen Diplomacy Luncheon
- 1:45 – 3:45 PM: Exhibitor Open Houses in the Meeting Hub
- 6:30 – 8:30 PM: Embassy Receptions (off site, pre-registration required)
Saturday
- 8:00 – 8:45 AM: Future Directions Breakfast
- 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Closing Celebration
JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE
Want to join the conversation online? Be sure to use and follow the hashtags #GlobalTies2016 & #IamDiplomacy. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also start following the organizations, speakers, and participants active on Twitter with our GlobalTies2016 Twitter list. Not on the list? DM us on Twitter to be added!
Tell the World #IamDiplomacy
Throughout the National Meeting, complete a card that describes the difference you make in the world, using the hashtag #IamDiplomacy. Take a picture with your answer and post it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! We’ll be hanging your filled out cards in the meeting hub. Be on the lookout for our roaming team, or come to the Nerd Nook in the Meeting Hub to take a picture with your filled-out card!
Share Your SIghts, Sounds, Thoughts, and Impressions
Did you hear an interesting new statistic? Was there a quote or message that resonated with you? Share your insights, thoughts, and questions on Twitter and our Facebook page. And if you have a response to a question you see someone else ask, answer it and start a conversation! Look at the Storify of last year’s meeting to to get you thinking.
LEARN MORE AT THE NERD NOOK!
Located in the Meeting Hub, stop by to learn how to master the ORDIV and how to harness social media to amplify your impact. Take your selfies at our photo booth!
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, come by during the Coffee & Bingo on Wednesday and the Exhibitor Open House on Friday to talk to communications and IT experts in the network and get your questions answered! Computers will also be available for use.
REMEMBER THE DO’S AND DON’TS
We know all these tips are a lot to take in! So if you’re short on time, here are the top 5 Do’s and Don’ts:
#5: DO: PLAN AHEAD
From speaking up for exchanges, to nonprofit capacity building, to international exchange programming skills, there are a variety of sessions to advance your professional development. To find the sessions that most interest you and the skills you want to hone, review the agenda and Pick Your Professional Development Goals.
#4: DON’T: MISS NETWORKING BINGO AND THE OPEN HOUSE IN THE MEETING HUB
Stop by the Meeting Hub Wednesday from 8:30 – 12:00 PM and Friday from 1:45-3:45 PM to connect with colleagues from the U.S. State Department, National Program Agencies and other partners. Make sure to Brush Up on Your Networking Skills.
#3: DO: PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY!
The National Meeting isn’t just a time for listening to speeches. Share what #IAmDiplomacy means to you by filling out a card and sharing it on Facebook and Twitter. Join in discussions with participants in the sessions and take advantage of networking opportunities. Also, be prepared to speak up for exchanges with your elected representatives.
#2: DON’T: MISS THE CHANCE TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE ONLINE
It’s impossible to attend every session and meet every participant. But you can learn and meet more people if you connect online! Use the hashtags #GlobalTies2016 and #IamDiplomacy to share your experience and find out what others are learning!
#1: DO: LEARN, CONNECT, AND GROW!
As it was put in the U.S. Department of State’s Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR), “In an era of diffuse and networked power… our diplomats and development professionals must focus on strengthening partnerships with civil society, citizen movements, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and others who share our interests and values.” Diplomacy begins with people like you! The National Meeting is the place for you to foster the relationships and build the skills that make international exchange a key tool to create more peaceful, prosperous world.
*If there is any way we can help you make the most of your National Meeting, stop by the registration desk or the Global Ties U.S. booth in the Meeting Hub throughout the Meeting.