Heading to Florida: International Nanny Association Conference

The International Nanny Association (www.nanny.org) is holding its annual conference in Orlando May 1 - 4 2008 and this year I get to attend the whole thing! (I have had conflicting college graduations the last two years.). The INA is a professional association comprised of professional nannies, nanny placement and referral services, and businesses like HomeWork Solutions (Nanny Payroll and Nanny Tax Compliance Services) that provide support services to nannies and the families that employ them.

INA Conferences allow industry insiders to network, share information about trends, challenges, and industry issues, and in general share ideas with industry specialists from across the country. This is a small industry, widely geographically dispersed, and this is a rare opportunity to talk to other professionals who 'get' your business experiences.

Employers - admission to industry conferences such as the INA Conference, or the annual Nannypalooza (nannycredential.org) is a professional development benefit you should seriously consider offering to your nanny. Why? Nanny attendees almost universally report returning to work refreshed, enthused, and brimming with ideas on how they can be better nannies. Isn't that what you want for your children? I admit to having been a bit skeptical of a 'nanny conference' when I attended my first INA conference in Philadelphia in 1993. I left that conference a believer! Nannies and child care professionals in general are a 'helping profession.' This is amply demonstrated by attendees as they listen to the challenges others bring to the conference, offer creative and positive suggestions, share stories of how they too succeeded in potty training twins - you name it, they brainstorm it!

This is a hats-off and public thank you to the many volunteers who put in long hours to organize and bring these successful events to the nanny industry. You know who you are - give yourself a pat on the back. See you in Orlando!