This is all the information you need to make your plans for Los Angeles — from registration to career sessions as well as networking events.
APA knows what an invaluable experience the conference can be for students. That's why we make it easy for student members to attend:
Many schools make funds available to students who want to attend professional conferences. Often, these funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so ask your department head about funds for APA's 2012 National Planning Conference today!
The conference is a great opportunity for a mini-course or independent study. Ask your professors to build a course or other credit opportunity around any of the hundreds of sessions at the conference.
There are more than 300 sessions, workshops, and mobile workshops at the conference — and student members can attend any of them. You'll definitely want to check out the orientation tours and mobile workshops that show you Los Angeles from a planner's perspective. And make time for the sessions that focus on areas of specialization you're interested in.
Get tips from planners who practice in various settings — federal, private, public — about what it takes to land a job in today's rough market during "Resumes in Today's Economy (S421)" on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Also, be sure to join us for the informative "Creating Your Online Professional Identity (S481)" session on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Grab a lunch and join the "Working in the Firm (S635)" or "Working in the Agency (S636)" brown bag networking event at noon on Saturday or Monday in the Exhibit Hall. Meet planners from private sector firms and public agencies. Find out what's out there and how to make your pitch and advance your career. Bring your lunch and learn about a variety of innovative projects and organizations. Position yourself to hit the ground running. Find your dream job.
Stop by Job Connection in the West Exhibit Hall A Saturday-Monday to find out what jobs are available. You might find some coaching advice as well. Remember that Jobs Online is your best lead on planning jobs.
On Monday from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. is the "Monday Night Networking Mixer at the Seven Grand Whiskey Bar (P104)" for students and new professionals. Tickets: $30
Meet fellow students and planning professional on Sunday for the "Career Reality (X100)" Open to all students! Learn what it takes to stand out in the job market, blend your interests and skills and market your planning knowledge in new ways.
Don't miss out on the sessions we have tailored to students. "Resumes in Today's Economy (S421)" on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. is an informative session that is must for all students interested in internships as well as soon to be graduates. Also, be sure to join us for the interesting and timely "Creating Your Online Professional Identity (S481)" session on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Here your fellow students discuss their research and projects. Join them in the exhibit hall for these fast-paced presentations. On Saturday, hear two sets of presentations, Capstone Presentation One (S632) starts at 10 a.m. and Capstone Presentation Two (S633) begins at 1:00 p.m. On Sunday, the program concludes with Capstone Presentation Three (S634).
Learn about research, projects, and insights being developed by professionals and students in this unique format on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. This is the perfect opportunity for in-depth conversations with poster presenters. A talented student might even meet his or her next employer.
Get sage advice from planners who overcame the tough market with perseverance and grit. Learn tangible methods for navigating the job search process to find a position. Hear alternative options aside from the traditional planning job that advance careers in unexpected ways at "Job Search Navigation Strategies (S808)."
Planning Experience in Other Cultures (S806)
Sunday, 4:00 p.m.
Job Search Essentials in an Ever-Changing Marketplace (S813)
Monday, 9:00 a.m.
Planners Working Abroad (S811)
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.
Explore great planning in Los Angeles and network with professional planners. Select from a variety of mobile workshops, with a ticket price just for students.
Sunday, 7:45- 11:45 a.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Monday, 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Monday, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Monday, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, 8:15-11:45 a.m.
Tuesday, 8:45-12:45 p.m.
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