Wrap Up on INA Conference

Mary and I recently returned from the annual INA Conference. We look forward to this every year. This year was particularly exciting because we had the largest contingent of Minnesota attendees! One of our local nannies won the big raffle prize of a trip to a Beaches resort. Congratulations Monica!
The workshop content and continuing education opportunities are always high quality. Networking with others is invaluable. We hope you join us next year in Louisville!                                                                                   

2012 INA Annual Conference Wrap Up

View the 2012 INA Conference Program 2012 Conference Sponsors 2012 Conference Donors and Contributors 2012 Nanny of the Year™ View the 2012 INA Annual Conference Photo Album This year, International Nanny Association members from around the world gathered at the Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada for the 27th Annual INA Conference. With over 200 members present, nannies, agency owners, educators and other in-home childcare industry professionals gathered to learn new skills, gather new ideas and build new relationships. During the 2012 INA Annual Conference, over 60 first-time attendees were welcomed into the family of professionals who dedicate their lives work to improving the lives of others. Though attendees worked hard, spending lots of time learning, they also played hard and taking in numerous shows, dining in top-notch restaurants and forging friendships around the pool as they enjoyed the warm, Las Vegas sun. In addition to INA's own industry experts like Bob King of Legally Nanny, Stephanie Breedlove of Breedlove & Associates, and Glenda Propst of Nanny Transitions, this year, nationally known speakers traveled from all over the United States to present to our conference attendees. Peter Shankman, founder of HARO presented a energetic workshop on social media, Cindy Horgan of Cape Cod Children's Place, presented on working with middle school children and what boys need, Dr. Lindsay Hellar, "the Nanny Doctor," presented on working with difficult clients and media personality "Dr. Shosh," Shoshana Bennett, presented on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, to name a few. The 2012 INA Annual Conference marked the third year that the INA Harriette Grant Service Award Pins and INA Service Award Pins were awarded to individuals in the in-home childcare industry. Twenty attendees received their award pins or additional bars for their pins in recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment to professional excellence. A highlight of the Annual Conference is the presentation of the Nanny of the Year Award. Nikki Gribble of Bethesda, Maryland, was honored as the 2012 INA Nanny of the Year recipient. Nikki is a graduate of The English Nanny & Governess School and specializes in caring for twins. During her speech, she shared a moving poem her mother wrote about her life as a nanny. The annual 50/50 Charity Raffle marks the official end of the conference, though there is always a good amount of celebrating late into the evening afterwards. Each year INA chooses a local charity to support with half of the raffle proceeds. This year, half of all proceeds raised went to Spread the Word Nevada, a non-profit literacy program that distributes books to children in southern Nevada. We hope that you will consider joining us for our 2013 Annual Conference. If you are new to INA and never have attended an Annual Conference, you may be eligible for significant savings. What Attendees Are Saying This was my 3rd conference and I look forward to attending every year. My favorite workshop was How to expand and Fine Tune Your Temporary Services. I loved the information and the energy of the agency owners. They were inspiring and informative! Rachel Urtiaga Capitol Park Nannies Sacramento, CA 3rd Conference My favorite session was Bob King's Legal Review with Peter Shankman tying a close second with How to Expand and Fine Tune Your Temporary Services. Bob showed us what we should be doing, Sharon and Lexy showed us what we could be doing, and Peter inspired me to do both. Niki Worrell Williamsburg Nanny Agency Williamsburg, VA The most informative session for me was The Business Side of Nannying with Kathy Webb of HomeWork Solutions! Kathy is amazing and I feel so wise after hearing from her! Keyanna Barr Nanny First-time Attendee This was my 4th Annual Conference. Two years ago I received my 20 year INA Service Award pin, and this year I was one of the INA scholarship recipients. There were so many excellent workshops this year. What Boys Need, Press Pause for Extended Play, Games, Rhymes and Signs, and the Business Side of Nannying come to mind as favorites. I am looking forward to Louisville next year. Stacie Gebeke Nanny We look forward to seeing you in 2013 for INA’s 28th Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. All photos were taken by and are the property of MaryAnn X. Meddish.