Did you realize that you can follow a number of communities that are set up to encourage knowledge sharing, networking, and support? Take a look around and listen to what other people in the industry are talking about!

Some highlights:
* The Members FAQ Community is the place to discover all the benefits you are entitled to as a member of our organization. 
* The Volunteer Community helps you get involved in a variety of community service projects.
* The Resource Library is a repository of industry best practices and tools to help you in your career.

After many years in our industry, I’ve determined that if you want to make the most out of the annual conference, you need to have a game plan. It’s important to know what you want to accomplish at the conference in advance. Are there are people you are trying to connect with? Are there specific topics you are hoping to learn more about, or educational opportunities you don’t want to miss?  Here are some tips:

• Take a look in advance at who is exhibiting and speaking. Know who you want to meet; this will help you figure out how to find them.

• Know which booths in the exhibit hall are important to you to visit. Discuss with your colleagues beforehand and see if anyone in your organization is in need of special information from an exhibitor. You may want to set up a meeting in advance to meet some of these folks. Just walking the floor is less effective than coming with a plan.

• Bring your materials. If you aren’t exhibiting, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to provide valuable information about your organization. Be sure to bring business cards.

• Know what you need. Company decision makers are at their booths; if you need something, now is a good time to ask.

• Stay organized. Sort through and organize business cards each day. Don’t get back to the office and find cards everywhere! Sort out contacts and brochures. Review your notes to organize follow-up before you return to the office.

• A Discussion of Nonresponse Bias Studies
• The OMB Clearance Process for Federal Surveys
• Is it Culturally Ethical? Human Rights Challenges in International Survey Research

I also wanted to note that two new officers were installed for the East Chapter at the beginning of the month. The new folks, brimming with ideas are:

• Stacey Johnson, Chapter Event Program Chair
• Ralph Peabody, Membership Recruitment Evangelist

Please welcome these volunteers next time you see them at a Chapter gathering!

I encourage each of you to use the forum, especially if you are faced with a particularly difficult issue or if you are looking for mentoring and advice.

1. Employment liability
2. Misunderstanding what comprises taxable income
3. Lack of attention to important clauses in meeting contracts
4. Lack of a contract management plan
5. Lack of a social media management plan