TRB is arranging the third annual Ambassador’s program at the Hilton Hotel for the 2009 Annual Meeting. The program was designed to respond to feedback from first-time attendees who feel overwhelmed and uncertain how to most effectively participate in the meeting. The program details are explained below. We are seeking about 60 volunteers to serve as Ambassadors. Each person will staff a table for two hours and wear an “Ask Me” button during the remainder of the conference to identify themselves as resources for first time attendees or others seeking information about TRB
or the conference. TRB staff will provide each Ambassador with a button and a limited amount of background material (we will keep it light and easy to carry.) In addition, there will be lots of information at the Ambassador table to help respond to questions. The table will be located close to snack bar area at the Hilton Hotel. Please try to ensure that at
least two of your committee members sign up so we can make the program a success.
This is a fun way to participate in the Annual meeting and to help the new attendees. One volunteer from last year wrote -
“I have had the good fortune of participating in the last two TRB Annual Meetings as an ambassador, and I have found it to be a very rewarding experience to be able to help newcomers get oriented, aid in programming their session attendance schedules, or just talk about where to eat in DC. Aside from the big “Ask Me” button being an interesting conversation starter, as chair of Young Professionals in Transportation, I find it especially fulfilling to be able to help newcomers (who tend to be young professionals) get the most out of their experience at the TRB Annual Meeting. I would highly recommend signing up as an ambassador to those who want to give back more of a ”personal touch” to TRB in addition to their participation in committees and technical sessions.”
JOUNG H. LEE, Associate Director for Finance & Business Development – AASHTO
People willing to participate for a two hour slot during one of the following sessions should e-mail their availability to Bonnie Duke at B-Duke@tamu.edu by January 5. Bonnie will follow up with a schedule confirmation and information about where to pick up “Ambassador” buttons and instruction sheets.
Monday – 8:00 to 10:00 am
Monday – 10:00 am to noon
Monday – Noon to 2:00 pm
Monday – 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Tuesday – 8:00 to 10:00 am
Tuesday – 10:00 am to noon
Tuesday – Noon to 2:00 pm
Tuesday – 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Wednesday – 8:00 to 10:00 am
Wednesday – 10:00 am to noon
Wednesday – Noon to 2:00 pm
Wednesday – 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Please feel free to contact Bonnie (at B-Duke@tamu.edu) or Kim (at kfisher@nas.edu) if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Kimberly M. Fisher
Transportation Research Board
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
ph. 202.334.2968
fx 202.334.2003
email kfisher@nas.edu
http:/www.trb.org
Ambassadors Program
Why does TRB have an Ambassador program? Feedback from recent TRB
conferences suggests that first time attendees, as well as some of those
that are returning, can feel isolated or unsure of how to get the most out
of the meeting. The data further suggest that many attendees are seeking
networking opportunities – but are unsure as to how to reach out to others
in the field. The Ambassador program is one way we are addressing these
issues.
What are the qualifications of an Ambassador? Ambassadors have attended at
least three TRB conferences. They are outgoing and ready to meet new people
and answer questions about the TRB organization and the conference.
What do Ambassadors do? Ambassadors volunteer for a two-hour shift during
the TRB Annual meeting. They will be available at the Ambassador’s table to
answer questions of first time attendees (or anyone else with questions
about the organization or the conference).
What do Ambassadors do the rest of the time? Ambassadors wear “Ask Me…I am
a TRB Ambassador” buttons throughout the conference. They are willing to
answer questions at any time during the meeting. During the newcomers
orientation, attendees will be encouraged to seek out Ambassadors should
they have any questions. Ambassadors look for ways to help attendees get
involved in TRB and the conference. They may encourage them to attend
committee meetings or exchange business cards for follow-up after the
conference. Great Ambassadors take a moment to stop and chat with new
attendees in the elevator or while waiting for a session to begin. Great
Ambassadors connect attendees with each other – introducing newcomers to
TRB leaders or others in their field who might be interested in their work.
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