Wish you were there ?

Thoughts of a summer break are no doubt much more exciting than planning what you will do at the NAVCA Conference. Although it is still just under two months away there is already interest here from people wanting to meet-up and network (OK informally chat!) to others with similar interests.

In the Open Space slot Stefan Kuchar would like to meet with others interested in a Self Assessment Governance Framework and as part of the Peer Sessions Ruth Morgan is looking for others to network with.

If any of these interest you or you are looking to make links with others please visit the Networking “mini-site”, log in and leave your details. Trust me – the more the merrier!

Enjoy the summer holidays … and if any one sees the sun please get in touch !

Your Events team

This year’s conference and AGM is a team effort.

The team is here to make the booking process as simple and easy as possible, and to ensure that your time at the event goes smoothly.

There are ways that you can help us to help you…

Book your place early! That way you’re more likely to get the choices you request as some sessions are limited in numbers. If you want to go on the visit to Nottingham CVS you should book as soon as you can. We cannot take more people than the bus can seat. Early bookings also benefit from a discount, and are refundable should you need to cancel your place.

Tell us what you need! If you have a specific access requirement or dietary need, please tell us as soon as you can. We will do everything possible to accommodate you, but may need to make some specific arrangements which can take time.

Tell us what you want! There is space on the programme for you to help us shape the agenda. Your suggestions for discussion groups, topics, networking ideas etc can all be put into the pot for our Open Space time….so if there is a burning issue, or some good practice you’d like to share, let us know.

We will be using this blog to keep you updated on changes to the agenda, reminders about deadlines for bookings, and general information about the event. We’d like you to use it to give us ideas, feedback, make connections with other people coming from your area (perhaps to car share) and any other reason you’d like.

If you’d like to talk to us, you can call the team on:

Michelle 0114 289 3957 – for enquiries regarding exhibition space and sponsorship

Moira 0114 289 3963 – for speaker enquiries

Helen 0114 289 3973- for booking enquiries

Laura and Sophie 0114 278 6636 – for general enquiries including bookings and payment

We all look forward to seeing you in September!

Michelle

Kevin Curley – Conference bookings open

It will soon be NAVCA Conference time again. This year we’ve got Peter Wanless the new Chief Executive at the Big Lottery Fund coming. So, your chance to lobby him about the funding you think they should provide for the local sector – and for local infrastructure.

We’ve also got Greg Clark MP speaking. He’s the Conservative Shadow Minister for Charities, Social Enterprise & Volunteering. The Conservatives have just published their Green Paper on ‘The Future of Voluntary Action’ so again it’s a chance to respond to their ideas. One controversial Conservative idea is that infrastructure funding should be given to frontline groups so that they can choose where to buy their support from. I bet you’ve got a view on that!

At our popular drinks reception we’ll be launching ‘The Get Skilled Workbook’ – a brilliant NAVCA guide to creating a learning and development plan for your organisation. Free wine, a free handbook and great company.

And don’t forget that for the second year I’ll be organising the after dinner break dancing competition for the over 50s. See you on the dance floor…

Kevin