We’re only a few short weeks away from NACAC 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Here at The Parish Group, we’ve been packing our suitcases (bowties and Jordans included) and putting the final touches on our booth set up. We’ll be at booth 710—just a few booths away from the main entrance.
The convention’s theme this year is “The Courage Within” and will kick off with a keynote address from the legend himself, Magic Johnson. Together with NACAC CEO Angel B. Pérez, they will discuss “what it takes to lead with courage and conviction.”
Following a tumultuous year in higher ed, a conversation about unwavering leadership will hopefully inspire and encourage leaders in this industry to remain steadfast as we face many unknowns this enrollment cycle.
We asked our NACAC-bound team members what they’re most looking forward to about this year’s convention. Here’s what they had to say.
New Friends Silver, Old Friends Gold
With all the players in higher ed joining together under one roof, NACAC is a great time to catch up with old friends and colleagues while also making new connections.
The Parish Group has been in the higher ed industry for 37 years, and in those three plus decades, we’ve created some fantastic connections with long-time, leading voices.
Many of our team members came from the other side of the table, serving as directors of enrollment and deans of admissions across multiple campuses, and it’s great connecting with former coworkers and seeing the career growth on both sides.
Reuniting these thought leaders with our own to solve complex problems is always a highlight.
Finding Solutions in Real Time
As we mentioned above, there’s a lot of uncertainty still lingering from this past cycle of enrollment.
The FAFSA Fiasco looks prime to have a sequel, institutions in red states are having to dismantle DEI programs, and the population decrease of college-aged students continues—as does the stress it brings.
Tackling these big picture problems and collectively problem-solving shows the dedication of this industry. We enjoy cheering on the wins while seeking out opportunities for improvement in the enrollment management world.
But we also look forward to achieving smaller scale wins.
A mainstay highlight for us are the candid conversations we have on the exhibit floor, during lunches, and dinners. These organic conversations often lead to valued, multi-year partnerships and ultimately, friendships.
Often, we meet institution representatives who need a more customized approach to their higher ed marketing strategy, student search, and communication plan—those who benefit from the hands-on approach The Parish Group provides.
We find great success with colleges and universities that don’t want to be a ticket number or passed off to a different team after the sale, but want a consistent agency partner they can call up anytime for support.
Synergizing with Slate
If this past Slate Summit at the Chicago Navy Pier was the main course, we want seconds! Of course, Technolutions is ready to whet our appetite with a Slate Preferred Partner champagne toast.
We expect to have lots of conversations about Slate, especially following our recent successful launch of Go Live for Slate Admissions with our partner institution Rocky Mountain College.
Slate is leaning heavily into the use of AI technology. While this is unchartered waters for many, at TPG we are ready to help you navigate the potential uses and implications for your specific institutional needs.
Whether it is to help counselors communicate with students a little easier or to build complex queries with some assistance, AI technology is a powerhouse across higher ed and it seems to be here to stay.
Time to Be Tourists
No, not referring to our hometown’s local baseball team. We’re used to seeing tourists out and about in Asheville, but now it’s our turn!
Our must-dos and must-sees in Los Angeles are lengthy, but if time was limitless, here’s everywhere we’d hit up:
Hermosa beach, Venice beach, Redondo beach, Manhattan beach, and the Santa Monica Pier. Hopefully we can catch a beautiful Malibu sunset as well!
The Hollywood sign, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A walk down Rodeo Drive or a cruise through Beverly Hills.
Peterson’s Car Museum, Sea Candies, The Grove, and The Venice Whaler. Heck, we’ll even take a game at Dodger Stadium!
Hopefully we’ll be able to cross off a few of these bucket list items while out on the West Coast.
Check Us Out at NACAC 2024
We hope you’re as excited for NACAC 2024 as we are. We’ll be at booth 710 for all your higher ed marketing and enrollment management needs.
For more information about The Parish Group, reach out at success@parishgroup.com or call our office at 828.505.3000.
We’ll see you in LA!
