Greetings Associate Members,
I found this article in the archives and wanted to re-send this friendly reminder. It is that time of the year for NOBLE’s 33rd Annual Training Conference. The NOBLE national office and the Norfolk Chapter are placing final touches on what is promised to be a great training and social experience for all law enforcement personnel, and the opportunity for most of us to relax from a career that is high stress.
For those Associate Members who will be attending the conference for the first time, I will be available to assist you with navigating through a week of training and social events, stop and ask any question you might have. Also, Assistant Chief Maurita Bryant (Nat. Membership Chair) will have some specific items directed to assist first time attendees. These include the first time attendees desk located at registration and the first time attendee orientation that everyone who hasn't been to a conference should take advantage of.
At your first conference you should try to do as much as possible which will leave you tired but, with a total picture of NOBLE. Also, attending a variety of classes, meetings, and social events will help you learn the organization and the personalities which form it. This will also give you an opportunity to observe and listen to those who will represent you on the national Board and whether or not they have the best interest of the associate membership, everyone does not.
May I also suggest you bring business suits or business casual attire for each day of training and a more relaxed and casual attire for social events. Remember, regardless of who paid your registration costs, you represent yourself, your agency, and the law enforcement community, “business first” is our unspoken motto. Formal attire is worn the last evening of the conference (Wed. night 7/29) at the closing banquet and President's Ball. I have met some brothers who weren’t aware they could wear tuxedos, you can, and it is just as appropriate to wear a very nice business suit.
Your registration credentials are always worn to identify you as a participant at the conference. This year security will be tight and there is a mandatory requirement to wear your conference identification for some of the social events also. Those who forget them or have not properly registered will not be permitted into classroom areas or events specifically for NOBLE conference attendees. Forget past practices, pay your dues, register for the conference, and wear your credentials.
The NOBLE pin or bullion is often worn along with the registration credentials. The NOBLE pin in worn on the left lapel or left side of your body above the heart.
The Memorial March will be Wednesday July 29, 2009, NOBLE would like to see as many as possible in the dress uniform of your agency or a business suit at the Memorial March. I can’t express how inspiring it looks to watch a sea of uniforms marching down the street and into a church service, this is one of the conference highlights. Bring small tokens as giveaways from your city or department for the children along the parade route.
To the new members or first time attendees, watch, listen and participate. And by all means take the opportunities to network while you can, bring your business cards. This conference will be a total learning experience..
See you in Norfolk!
