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By Ashley Pace (LinkedIn), chair, NTEA Generation Next
This article was originally published in the March 2023 issue of Generation Next Edition.
Work Truck Week 2023 was an exciting time for the industry and Generation Next. Attendance returned to pre-pandemic levels, setting a new record with a 17% increase over the 2022 event. The halls were bustling. For me, the week’s highlights included gaining new knowledge from educational sessions, networking with new contacts, and gathering to plan the upcoming year for Gen Next.
Educational Sessions
Although I learned a lot from the educational sessions throughout the week, the opportunities to learn continue with On-Demand access. I’m excited to listen to a few sessions that I missed – and if you purchased a conference package, you too can view archived sessions from your planner (learn more here). From market updates to leadership tips, the week offered education and training across a breadth of topics; I’ll highlight two I enjoyed:
Leadership Journeys – Highlighting Diverse Experiences featured three industry leaders sharing their experiences and pathways to success. This interactive panel conversation prompted discussion on how to promote diversity in all types of ways in our industry. My takeaway from this session was a quote from Exavious Farley, “Actively look at who is being brought to the table.” Having unique perspectives at the table provides all types of benefits for our industry, and I am looking for ways to implement this in my work and personal life.
The Generation Next Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception was a delight as always, and featured Coach Sidney Moncrief’s teaching on EQ (emotional quotient). At one point during this high-energy session, tennis balls were flying across the room! We were dancing along and learning more about G.R.I.T. and how to embrace our emotions/empathy in the workplace. My biggest takeaway? Growth is fueled by curiosity – the curiosity to learn every day. It has inspired me to take on a more curious outlook in order to expand my skills and mindset.
Networking
In conjunction with Coach Moncrief’s engaging seminar, we had the annual Generation Next Networking reception. I look forward to this event every year because it’s a great way to meet industry colleagues. (If you’ve never been – sign up next year!)Part of Generation Next’s goal is to connect people new to the industry, and this event is a major way to get connected. There is truly nothing more encouraging than meeting colleagues and making connections that last. I always leave this event motivated by the network of Generation Next and the resources we can provide to one another.
What’s Next for Gen Next?
What I’m most excited about from Work Truck Week 2023 was our opportunity to plan for the upcoming year. The Generation Next Board of Governors 2023-2024 met during the Show, and we have some exciting projects coming this year. Most notably, in January of this year we introduced a new webinar series called What’s Next with Gen Next. We will continue this series on a quarterly basis in the upcoming year. Be on the lookout for more information about those exclusive Gen Next webinars featuring professional development, leadership, and networking topics. We also have some ideas for continuing to grow our online networking community, so if you haven’t joined us in the Facebook or LinkedIn Groups, do so now!
Overall, Work Truck Week 2023 was exciting and educational, and I hope you felt the same. I look forward to seeing what the coming year holds for all our Generation Next members. See you at Work Truck Week 2024! (If you haven’t yet done so, please sign up for information on WTW24.)
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