July 7-11, 2003 · Chicago

What do you say, when it’s over? There are a million things to do and a million people to thank, a million bills to pay and a million mixed feelings. At times, when people ask “How was the NTP?”, I can’t stop talking about all of the people, the training, and the events that took place in Chicago. At other times, the melancholy sets in, and about all I can say is “It was great, but I’m sure glad it’s over.”

There are so many people who came together in so many ways to make the 34th NTP a success. It would be impossible to name every one of you, but know each and every one of your efforts contributed to an outstanding program.

To FEW’s National Board of Directors, and in particular to our National President, Pat Wolfe, thanks for your continuing support. It took a long, long time to get over the wondering whether this NTP would be successful, financially. Some of you are still wondering and I guess until all the bills are paid and the final books audited and bank accounts closed and the money deposited into the national bank accounts, you’ll still hold on to that bit of wonder. There were those that said there was nothing wrong with the way we’ve done business for 33 years because for many of those years the NTP produced some amazing success stories, and a few disappointments, but we survived. To those who were supportive from the beginning, you were willing to admit that merely surviving wouldn’t work forever. You were willing to take the risk that an NTP could be managed by a team spread across the country and believed that bringing in industry professionals to assist was a good plan. You were the ones with the vision and the voice to say, “It’s time to start looking at the NTP as a business and to start becoming a competitive force in the government training arena.” You are the ones that deserve the thanks of the membership, for your courage to break with tradition and to move forward.

To the NTP Planning Committee, your continued drive and dedication to make the NTP a success is unequalled. You proved that success is measured by more than the sheer numbers of attendees, of training classes, of agency forums, and of income. You proved that that a successful program is measured by the sum of all of its parts. Your volunteer spirit and teamwork, your insight and ideas, and your ability to carry through on projects when you were frustrated, and tired, and had a lot of more attractive options to take up your non-working hours is worthy of the highest praise.

To the FEW members, those that were able to attend, and those who were not, thank you for your support. There were so many members who spread the word, talked NTP at meetings and at events and in your agencies and in your communities. There were members who were not able to attend this year, but that didn’t deter your willingness to encourage others to attend. The NTP is your conference. Let’s continue to grow member attendance at NTPs and show others what a great organization FEW really is!

To our newest members, those who joined FEW during the NTP registration process and on-site at the National FEW booth….all 200+ of you, thank you for making FEW your organization of choice. Take advantage of all FEW has to offer, join a chapter, and get involved. The NTP is just one of FEW’s program areas, there is so much more about the organization to learn. Don’t wait to be contacted about your membership…….call or email our national office and find out about a chapter near you, attend a meeting and let them know you’re ready to get involved!

To the government agencies who are so critically important to an NTP’s success, we thank you for not only your support in funding attendees and in providing time and materials for committee members to work on the NTP effort, but for recognizing that the experience gained by attending an NTP is so much more than attending a training class alone. You provided trainers as subject matter experts and you organized agency meetings to bring together your staff in an environment of changing the future. Without your support, the success of the NTP would not have possible.

To our industry partners, thank you for showing us how to maximize our conference management efforts in a way that was mutually beneficial to both organizations. You took on the tasks that you do so well, allowed us the freedom to focus on the things we do so well. Together, we brought the best in expertise and execution together and have forged a strong base upon which to build the future.

To our exhibitors, thanks for the commitment to showcase your companies, your agencies and your goods and services to the 2,000+ women and men who attended the NTP. This was our first year partnering a professional exhibition management company. We learned a lot about exhibiting, and will use your feedback and that of our attendees to create an even bigger and better show for 2004. To those who have already re-signed and those that are considering returning to the NTP in Nashville, a hearty thank you.

To our trainers, thank you for putting forth your best efforts to help us expand our training curriculum, tailoring your coursework to fit our conference schedule, and giving an outstanding display of your knowledge and expertise to our attendees. The comments on the quality and depth of the training selections was outstanding and we hope you are working on your 2004 NTP proposals so that you can again be a part of this premier training event next year.

To our sponsors, thank you for your support of the NTP that made so many things possible. From the conference bags, to underwriting the cost of keynote speakers, receptions and events, your commitment to FEW and the work we do made such a difference. We look forward to a long partnership with your organizations.

To the 2,000+ attendees, you came to the NTP expecting the best and left with excitement and energy to go out and make a difference. We hope we measured up to your expectations! Many of you attended for the first time and blended with those who have made a commitment to making the NTP part of their regular training plans. Thank you all!

Chairing this NTP was a challenge, and one that required a lot of hard work, but the rewards made everything worth it. The NTP will change from year to year as we take the best and build on it to create the optimum training and networking experience for women in government. Start making plans now to attend next year’s NTP, the “Sounds of Success” in Nashville, July 19-23, 2004.