NATA National Convention: iLEARN
Follow me for an inside look as iLEARN during the 2012 NATA National Convention
Monday, June 25, 2012

I am attending the State Leadership Forum.  This event is for state leaders who many serve as volunteers on committees, executive boards etc.  Personally, I serve as the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers’ Association Public Relations Committee Chair as well as the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association (District 5) Public Relations Committee Chairman.  While in these roles for a few years, this is the first time I have attended the state leadership form. 

The event began with lunch and moved into a brief overview of Vision Quest, nomenclature update, finances related to an organization and state political action committees.  Participants then broke into small group breakout sessions to discuss their state/committees’ trials and tribulations.  This was a time to gather new ideas, pose questions to other like and non-like state associations for feedback and brainstorming/problem solving sessions.  The breakout sessions provided thought provoking dialogue between participants with handouts for notes.  I enjoyed two separate sessions revolving around public relations.  The first titled, Is Social Media Necessary for an Athletic Training Association, and the second titled Effective Use of Public Relations.  To sum up the social media session, everyone is participating in social media.  If you’re not, you’re not staying up with the times.  Social media has extraordinary benefits both internally and externally for an organization.  If you don’t have a Facebook page, start one today! 

The second session provided insight into what a public relations firm can do for an athletic training association.  While the costs may be steep, some state associations are digging into their pocketbooks to gain professional help in spreading the good word.  This isn’t a bad idea, but remember, public relations is promoting good will between one party to another.  For state associations who cannot afford to hire help, NATA provides many resources to all ATs with PR/marketing materials.  You can stop by the NATA Public Relations booth in the NATA Connect zone at the NATA Trade Show for more tips on what you can do to promote the profession.

NATA National Convention: Everywhere YOU Go, People Outta Know….
Follow me for an inside look as iLEARN during the 2012 NATA National Convention
Tuesday, June 26, 2012

I am attending the NATA Public Relations Committee Meeting.  During our meeting, a variety of representatives from other committees stop by to share their report with our committee.  We discuss recent events, National Athletic Training Month recap for 2012 and begin planning for 2013 NATM, share district reports and brainstorm for future activities.  While in the meeting it dawned on me, everywhere you go, people outta know who you are, where you came from….if you have seen Remembering the Titans, you know the rest of the song.

Public Relations is the responsibility of all stakeholders.  Students and BOC Certified Athletic Trainers both have the responsibility to positively promote their profession.  Don’t be afraid to step into the spotlight and be heard.  If ATs continue to stay on the sideline, we will be missing out on great opportunities to market ourselves and our abilities.  ATs have a unique skill set and a special niche in healthcare.  Be Certain.™ you are making the most of the opportunities you have to sell yourself and athletic training to enhance the quality of care for patients and quality of life for ATs.

NATA National Convention: Opening Day
Follow me for an inside look as iLEARN during the 2012 NATA National Convention
Wednesday, June 27, 2012  

It is opening day for featured presentations and sessions, as well as the NATA Trade Show.  Early this morning, I attended a session on Learn and Six Sigma that was very interested as I can apply it to working at BOC. For the remainder of the day, I spent time networking with ATs at the BOC booth.  It was nice to see our past and present BOC volunteers, put a face to a name for the many ATs we serve (as most of BOC’s interaction is via email or phone), answer many questions about the recertification changes, and distribute our collapsible water bottles.  If you haven’t stopped by the BOC booth yet, there is still time!  Come see us at booth #1040 to the left of NATA Connect.  At minimum, you’ll want to pick up a water bottle to stay hydrated though the 104 degree weather that is in the forecast for tomorrow!  For ATs who have questions about their certification, new requirements or how to enter CE activities, stop by for personal tutorials and answers to your questions!  BOC works for you!

Written By: Jessica O’Neel, MS Ed, ATC 
JessicaO@bocatc.org