By Brian Hughes

In less than two weeks, our nation’s capital will be the host city for our 81^st annual conference. This year’s conference promises to be the best ever with events that will be attractive to attendees, visitors and exhibitors alike.

One of the most popular and fastest growing sessions, the Career Advancement Center, will return for its third consecutive year.  Located in the Exhibit Hall, five specialized sessions will feature industry experts leading one hour presentations on key topics that are aimed at professionals at every level and stage of their career. Whether this year’s meeting will be your first—or your thirtieth one, all of the Career Advancement Center’s sessions should be on your agenda.  These engaging and informative presentations will take place in the exhibit hall and will allow you to engage in discussions with specialists from both the private and public sector on topics which are critical to your professional development.

This year’s lineup of sessions will include:

Listening
Tim Scanlon, Institute Curriculum Developer, APCO International

This session will explore the keys to success in developing active listening skills. Attendees will learn that listening is not a passive act and listening skills are vital to success in professional learning and collaboration with colleagues.

Networking Tips
Greg Coleman, National Marketing/Business Development Coordinator, Harris RF Communications

During this interactive session, Greg will bring his extensive experience in both media and corporate environments to help attendees discover the basic principles of connecting with colleagues and clients to manage your contacts.

Resumes
Monica Corbin-Simon, Training Coordinator, Houston Emergency Center

Monica will show you what’s necessary to bring resumes alive and stand out to prospective employers.  Attendees will explore resume building from the perspective of what is vital to include, and what can be left out while maintaining focus and scope.

Introduction to RPL
Robert Bloom, Public Safety Systems Administrator Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Robert shows interested professionals how the decision to become a Certified Public Safety Leader (RPL) impacts the personal and professional lives of those who receive this important certification.

Leadership
Brian Hughes, Vice President of Business Development Eastern Communications Ltd.

Using real-life examples from over 40 years of experience, Brian will develop a definition of leadership for our industry and help unlock your leadership skills that will be useful at any stage of your career.

Each of the above topics has been chosen to allow the presenters to share their unique work and life experience, discuss their thoughts on subjects that are of interest to all attendees at any level and any stage of their professional development.

Sessions will take place in the exhibit hall on Monday and Tuesday, August 17 and 18.  Check the program on site or visit www.apco2015.org for exact times.