ALBUQUERQUE – The National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) had its “Soar to New Heights” National Training Conference (NTC) in the great state of New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment.” Indeed, it was a great feeling to be back to in-person education classes, fellowship among colleagues, and most of all, sharing parliamentary learning taught by great Parliamentarians, at the Hotel Albuquerque. There were 183 in-person and 360 Hybrid attendees. From my state, Texas, I counted over 40 members in attendance. People who were there in person received gray Polo Shirts which we wore on Saturday. Thank you, NAP, for the free Polo Shirt!

The Conference started Wednesday, September 7, 2022, with Registration at 3:00 PM and ended Saturday, September 10, with Dinner and a Closing Ceremony. Each day was filled with activities for each attendee to see, experience, and receive warm hugs. The Annual Meeting report was given by our NAP President Wanda M. Sims, PRP, 2021-2023.

There were over 35 educational classes during the conference in a jam-packed two days, plus one session on “The Parliamentary Experience Part II” (Learning Lab). Classes were for Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels. I found myself in two Advanced classes that were “wow” moments – I was like “I am in the wrong class” but it was worth staying in the class. A few examples of classes: our District Six Director Lucy Anderson, PRP, taught “If That is Urgent, Lay This on the Table”; Steven Bolen, PRP taught “Lessons from the Sidecar: The Roles of a Parliamentarian”; and Beth Sapp James taught “Mastering the 13 Ranking Motions.” These presenters are just some of the many from District Six who taught. Congratulations to all the presenters for volunteering to teach!

Classes were Hybrid. Members who purchased the Hybrid price were able to sit at home, relax, and not worry about getting dressed and hurrying down the elevator and hall to get to class. Wow, what a time saver and savings on conference expenses. The hardest part was the presenters had to stay in front of the camera and not move because the members at home would not see the presenter. As you know, most presenters like to move around. A few times also there were IT challenges, so there was a delay but in the end the IT Technicians were able to solve the problem. The in-person audience was engaged by seeing and sharing among their peers’ experiences, knowledge, and skills before or after class.

District Six took their pictures in the Alvarado Ballroom on Saturday, right after lunch.  Who doesn’t like to take pictures? I love pictures! And oh, do not forget, the First Timers at the NTC also had their picture. Pictures, how wonderful; they tell a story not to be forgotten and are treasured.

Overall, the experience at the National Training Conference brings out the best in all of us – from the presenters to the pupils, who also learn from each other. It is this positive energy that will be coming to the Great State of Texas from Albuquerque. Look out, Texas is hosting the NTC next time. See you all in San Antonio, Texas, in 2024!

Thank you to all the Conference Committee, Board of Directors, and NAP staff that worked so hard. Without them, we could not have had a successful National Training Conference!

David Pérez Hurley
District Six Team Member and TSAP Historian