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1999 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

"ENTERING THE NEW MILLENNIUM"

September 3 - 6, 1999

The Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion
Dallas, Texas

Feedback from the
1999 ProDevCon

Wondering if ProDevCon is worth a try? Here is what some of your IEEE colleagues had to say about the 1999 conference:

"My employer was so impressed with the copy of the Proceedings I showed him, he'd like to purchase a copy for our group." Wanda Solano

"I came away with at least one good idea out of every session." Ed Safford

"Networking opportunities abounded throughout the conference." Michael Siok

"I have more confidence to start a letter or report after attending this class." Emily Truc Dang

"The conference has given me a new perspective on how I view myself and how I can improve, as well as lessons on how to deal with others more effectively. The conference also enhanced my appreciation of the training and work environment provided by my employer." Alan Fletcher

"My participation [in the conference] will enhance both my volunteer activity with IEEE and also my effectiveness as a professional engineer." Dale Rummer

"I did some career planning [in the past]. However, I missed the boat. I totally left out my personal goals. My wife and I have begun making a list of things we think are important for our family. I will use this list, along with my career goals, to create a mission statement and hopefully [to develop] a more balanced life." Randy Nunez

"Most of the value came from the information I gained from the classes; the remaining value came from the time spent speaking with other engineers about these and other topics." Jason Torrey (GOLD)

"Overall, I found the conference to be exciting and helpful to me, for my practices in the workplace. I made some contacts and friends. Some of the other Region 1 GOLD members and I are going to set up a meeting protocol for ourselves so we can meet monthly via Internet and teleconferencing." Constantine Taki Markos (GOLD)

"I walked away from the conference with a heightened perspective on the importance of 'soft skills.' The speakers convinced me that, when the soft skills are mastered, the technical skills will follow through very naturally, and the ability to communicate effectively with people will allow those technical skills to be utilized to their maximum value." Chris Macchietto (GOLD)

"I learned that interpersonal skills are necessary throughout your engineering career, whether you are on a management track headed for promotion and leadership or stay involved as an individual contributor. I had been thinking, wrongly, that individual contributors do not need to use and improve interpersonal skills to the extent that managers do." Tom Krauss (GOLD)

"This was my first Professional Development Conference, and I plan to continue attending. The topics addressed are invaluable to any professional engineer. I have already started reading the conference Proceedings on topics that I could not attend; it is a priceless resource to have. The conference also provides something unique: networking with people not necessarily in your field." Cynthia Salomonson (GOLD)

"The conference had a very profound impact on my career and personal development. IEEE is taking huge strides in allowing the younger members to have a significant voice. It was rewarding to relate with other young engineers and discuss some of our common issues and concerns." James A. Reed (GOLD)

"This conference made me serious about my career development. It made me aware that I should take control of my career. It inspired me to grow at a faster rate in my job environment. Meeting people from different walks of life broadened my vision and increased my awareness about industry. I would recommend that every young engineer attend this kind of conference." Shrikant Mulik (GOLD), IEEE Bombay, India, Section

"As a retired military member, I've had an extensive amount of similar training. This weekend was a wonderful reminder to me about the things I need to do to stay competitive. For those without prior training, this was the perfect introduction to professional development and should be encouraged." Steve Lindemann (GOLD)

"Today's managers want people who can relate with customers, understand their requirements, and effectively communicate with upper management. Development of nontechnical skills is paramount for success in today's service-based world. Another important part of the conference for me was networking with new people. For first-time attendees, the conference offered a mentoring program which assigned veteran attendees with 'newbies.' I had a wonderful mentor who introduced me to other mentors and pointed out classes she thought would be of interest to me." Randy Nunez (GOLD)

"I think the best part of the conference was the people. Everyone I met, from all over the United States and Canada, was friendly and helpful. This networking opportunity will help me in my future. One individual I talked to offered me a potential interview." William Susiene (GOLD)

"In addition to the informative aspect of the conference and its rich array of workshops, the conference afforded me the opportunity to receive targeted advice and leads that have assisted me significantly in my job search and selection process." Angela Chuang (GOLD)

"I came to the Professional Development Conference not knowing what to expect and left very pleased. The conference provided me with tools that can use presently and also showed me how to prepare for future responsibility. I would recommend this conference to engineers in any discipline." Margaret Malloy (GOLD)

"The Professional Development Conference has reassured me that I have the skills to lead and manage. Now when I lead, I will lead with newfound zea l. From the session "Engineering Leadership" by Peter DeLisle, 'I pledge to be aware of everything around me, to lead to the best of my abilities, and to be committed to choices I make and the people I encounter in life.'" John A. Rodriguez (GOLD)

About the Conference

The 1999 IEEE-USA Professional Development Conference will be held over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-6, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion in Dallas, Texas. The conference theme is "Entering the New Millennium." Six tracks of sessions will offer 50 tutorials, workshops, and panel discussions designed to meet the career and professional skill development needs of today's engineers. Two of the tracks will target the interests of engineers with 10 years or less of professional experience. One will address the training and information needs of section and society professional activities chairs. Registered attendees may select sessions from any of the tracks throughout the conference.

The conference will open on Friday evening, Sept. 3, with a reception. Sessions will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning and run through noon on Monday, Sept. 6. Sessions will be 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated.

Who should attend?

IEEE members and others interested in improving their nontechnical, career-related skills will find the Professional Development Conference useful. Companies that encourage their employees to seek training to help them on the job should send representatives. Recent graduates will have an opportunity to develop essential professional skills not covered in their college courses. Engineers in the early stages of their careers will find a wealth of information to help them progress professionally in a planned and orderly fashion.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Partial CEUs approved by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) will be awarded for sessions at the conference. If your company encourages or requires continuing education credits, it may be willing to cover all or part of your expenses for the conference. (A CEU is awarded for ten 60-minute sessions; partial CEUs are awarded for fractions thereof, e.g., 0.1 CEU for one hour. If you attend sessions during all the approved time periods at the conference, you will earn a total of 1.4 CEUs.)

GOLD Program for "Graduates of the Last Decade"

Two of the six tracks of sessions will be dedicated to the professional needs and interests of engineers with less than ten years in the profession (Graduates of the Last Decade - GOLD). Sessions will address basic career issues, with special emphasis on their impact on recent entrants into the profession. GOLD sessions are open to all attendees, and GOLD attendees are free to attend sessions in the other tracks.

Mentoring Program for First-time Conference Participants

If this is the first time you've attended a Professional Development Conference, you may wish to take part in a program that will pair you with a mentor who has attended the conference at least once before. The Mentoring Program affords an excellent opportunity to establish new networking connections. An orientation session for mentors and mentees will be held on Friday, September 3, from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., immediately before the opening reception. Mentors will be matched with mentees by means of a random drawing. If you wish to be a mentor or are a first-time attendee, check the appropriate box on the registration form.

Preconference Tutorials

Four all-day and two half-day, fee-based tutorials will be held on Friday, Sept. 3, prior to the opening of the conference. Registration for the conference is not required in order to attend a preconference tutorial. All six courses offer CEU credit, and advance registration is required. Also on Friday, preconference training sessions will be held for PACE leaders and GOLD representatives. More info . . .

Hotel

hotel.jpg - 4655 Bytes Reservations at the conference hotel should be made through the Hyatt Regency national reservation service (1-800-233-1234). The single/double rate for the conference is $89 per night, plus tax. For those who wish to stay longer, the conference rate will apply for two days before and two days after the conference, subject to availability. Information on points of interest and upcoming events in the Dallas area may be obtained from the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau. Call 214/571-1000, send an e-mail message to info@dallascvb.com, or consult the Convention Bureau's web site at www.dallascvb.com.

The Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion is located in downtown Dallas, close to shopping, museums, and nightlife. The city of Dallas and nearby Forth Worth offer millions of visitors every year the opportunity to experience the flavor of the Old West without leaving the comfort and attractions of a cosmopolitan metroplex.

Travel Arrangements

Special discounted airfares have been negotiated with Continental and American Airlines. Continental Airlines is offering a 10 percent discount off the lowest available super-saver fares and a 13 percent discount off coach fares. American Airlines is offering an eight percent discount off the lowest available super-saver fares and a 13 percent discount off coach fares. If booked 60 days in advance, both airline carriers are offering an advanced booking incentive that increases the discount by an additional five percent. Where super-saver fares or Saturday night stays are not applicable, both Continental and United are offering zone fares. Discounted airfares are available on other airline carriers. Please call IEEE Travel Services for availability. Some restrictions apply and airfares are guaranteed to be the lowest available at the time of ticketing. Special rates have also been negotiated with Hertz rental-car company.

Travel arrangements using the designated air carriers, or the carrier of your choice, can be made through IEEE Travel Services by calling (800) TRY-IEEE, (800-879-4333). Outside the United States, call (732) 562-5387 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST. Monday through Friday. When calling, please advise the Travel Counselor that you are traveling in connection with the IEEE-USA Professional Development Conference. Or, you may visit our new online travel service web site at www.ieee.org/travelonline. This secure site offers simple, convenient service through which you can search, reserve, and ticket your travel any time, anywhere.

You may also fax requirements to the IEEE Travel Services at (732) 562-8815. When faxing, please be sure to include your travel dates, departure time, phone and fax numbers. A Travel Counselor will contact you as soon as possible.

Van service is available from Super Shuttle between the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion. The fare is $10 each way using a coupon that will be included in your follow-up package after your registration is received. Without the coupon, the fare each way is $11. Call for pickup at designated curbside points after exiting the terminal building. One-way cab fare is approximately $31.

Companion Program

Four 2-hour tutorials will be offered for companions accompanying conference participants. The registration fee for each tutorial is $15. Conference participants also will receive one complimentary ticket to the Friday evening reception for a registered companion. Additional tickets may be purchased for the reception, and individual tickets may be purchased for all meals. Following the Friday reception, a guest orientation will be presented, and on Saturday morning companions are invited to have breakfast along with their hosts. More info . . .

Dress Code The dress code throughout the conference will be business casual. Jacket and tie for the men are suggested only for the Awards Ceremony and Banquet on Sunday evening.

??QUESTIONS?? Call IEEE-USA at 202/785-0017.