APA Interact February 20, 2018

APA Interact
NPC18 IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
April 21–24 | New Orleans | Strong Roots. Big Plans.

This week, NPC18 takes over Interact. Whether you're keen to expand your knowledge, network with peers, earn CM credits, explore planning in a great city, or all of the above, NPC18 delivers.

If you haven't signed up yet, don't wait! The early bird rate expires at 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Thursday, February 22.
Register Today

Already registered? Smart move — and thank you! Read on to learn more about what awaits you at NPC18.

There are many great reasons to attend and so much to do once you're there. Don't take only our word for it! Hear from some of last year's attendees.

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LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

The Big Easy, the Crescent City, NOLA ... this city warrants multiple nicknames. New Orleans — with its unique heritage, culture, and history — epitomizes a metropolis with strong roots and big plans.

Here are four ideas to jazz up your New Orleans experience:

  1. Get advice from a local. Lydia Jemison, AICP, chair of the 2018 NPC Local Host Subcommittee, gave us an inside look on how to spend 24 hours in New Orleans.
  2. Join the Tricentennial jubilee going on outside the Convention Center. New Orleans is celebrating the big 3-0-0 this year.
  3. Experience New Orleans planning in action by adding a mobile workshop to your schedule. NPC veterans know that mobile workshop destinations run the gamut of contemporary planning. Learn about four can't-miss options and review the full list for yourself.
  4. Leave a little of yourself behind  by volunteering your planning-problem solving expertise alongside local community leaders, residents, and planners.
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Are you fired up and ready to go? Remember to reserve discounted lodging at one of several New Orleans hotels near the convention center.

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GET WORLD-CLASS PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Lots to learn in top tracks

The NPC18 education program is loaded with learning. More than 250 sessions in 12 tracks, led by more than a thousand expert speakers, offer opportunities to explore fresh ideas and new solutions in the company of other professionals.

Each track is a carefully curated selection of sessions and activities focused on a current or emerging issue important to you. We listened to members' conference feedback and devised tracks around the top five topics requested by NPC17 attendees in a post-conference survey.
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Divisions weighed in

For the first time ever, you can be sure to connect with planners who share your interests by using the program's new Division Endorsement filter. Several of APA'S special-interest divisions combed through the full program and identified sessions that are most relevant to their members. Check it out! It's a great way to get to find sessions you will enjoy, connect with members in your own division, and learn more about other divisions' concerns.
Make a plan for you

Are you interested in planning leadership or management? Make a "plan for you" and sign up for a Planning Institute at NPC18. Attend a full day of in-depth training and bring home powerful insights, essential skills, and valuable tools to help you succeed.
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IT'S NETWORKING CENTRAL
More time to connect

The NPC18 program features more time between educational sessions. Now, if a session or workshop conversation sparks a connection, you'll have time to keep talking with your new colleague without missing your next session.
Welcome back, Welcome Reception!
 
The always-popular Welcome Reception is back! Make new acquaintances and reconnect with old friends the evening of April 21 at the National World War II Museum in downtown New Orleans.
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CAREER ZONE
Mentor Match Meet-Up Mixer

On April 22, join the Student Representatives Council and Young Planners Groups at this mixer for APA-matched mentors and proteges, including participants in the new AICP Candidate Pilot Program. If you're interested in mentorship — being one or having one — this is where you'll make the connection. AICP members may earn CM credits for this volunteer service. Apply to be a mentor or protege by March 23; you will learn about your match by April 13.
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Become a Mentor
Employer Connection Job Fair

Looking for your next career opportunity? At the Employer Connection Job Fair on April 22, employers will be present to discuss current job openings in informational small-group meetings. Dress for success, and don't forget your resume and business cards!
Resume Clinic

To be a reviewer: Share your professional expertise by reviewing fellow planners' resumes at the NPC18 Resume Clinic. Each review takes about 20 minutes, and volunteers sign up for 90-minute to three-hour shifts. Sign up to volunteer by March 12. AICP members may earn pro bono CM credits.

To have your resume reviewed: Online registration for a 20-minute review session opens March 26.
STUDENTS
Build your network

NPC18 is the best opportunity for students to make professional connections that can profoundly affect their planning careers.
SRC/YPG Ideas Exchange

On April 22, meet four young professionals who will share their experiences as APA leaders in Planning Student Organizations, the Student Representatives Council, and Young Planners Groups.
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Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt

Later on April 22, join students from the New Orleans-based Planning Student Organization, the Crescent City Shapers, for an Urban Planning–themed pub crawl and scavenger hunt.
Earn $100 as a conference volunteer

APA student members who work a five- to eight-hour shift at the conference earn $100! Volunteer shifts are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested? Get started by registering for NPC18 as a student member. Within a week, APA will email an invitation to volunteer. When you get it, click the link, follow the instructions, and select the position you want. APA will send a confirmation and more details as NPC18 approaches.
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AICP
FAICP induction and reception

Induction to the College of Fellows is the highest honor that the American Institute of Certified Planners bestows upon a member. AICP invites all members to congratulate the 2018 Class of Fellows on Sunday, April 22, at the free induction ceremony and ticket-required reception that follows. Class of 2016 is pictured.
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Earn lots of CM credits

Whether you still need to earn Certification Maintenance credits for the 2016–17 reporting period or want to pile up credits for the current one, NPC18 has got you covered. Hundreds of sessions offer CM credit, including daily sessions on law and ethics. Easily find all CM-eligible sessions, or just those offering law and ethics credits, by using the CM filter to search the full conference program.
PLANNING IN PERSON
AICP Community Assistance Workshop

New Orleans is challenged to meet housing needs for a broad range of lifestyles, ages, and incomes while retaining its traditions and distinctive culture. This year's Community Assistance Workshop, on April 21, will focus on contributing planners' expertise to community discussions about a Housing Plan for the Clairborne Corridor in the Treme neighborhood.
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Youth: Empowering Leaders Today

Inspire future community leaders by teaching urban planning to a diverse group of students at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Louisiana. On April 23, Youth Engagement Planning (YEP!) — a local nonprofit organization — and APA's Community Planning Assistance Teams program will host and facilitate a lively, interactive workshop focused on youth engagement, involvement, and education.
City of Cheyenne
Cheyenne, WY
City of Grandview
Grandview, MO
City of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
Chesapeake, VA
City of Wausau
Wausau, WI
City of Thornton
Thornton, CO
YOUR MEMBERSHIP


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FROM THE WEB
LAST CALL
February 22 – Register for NPC18 at the lowest price

February 22 – "Public Speaking Communication and Leadership" webinar

February 28 – Apply for the New Urbanism Division scholarship

Community Planning Workshop photo by Ryan Scherzinger. All other conference photos by Joe Szurszewski.
Send questions or comments about Interact to interact@planning.org.

Interact is a member e-newsletter of the American Planning Association and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners.
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