ICB News - Fall Conference Wrap Up

2010 IAODAPCA Spring Conference Wrap Up
By: Dianne Gutierrez, IAODAPCA Senior Operations

I’m pleased to report that IAODAPCA’s 2010 Spring Conference has been declared a success. Hundreds of addiction professionals gathered at the Westin Hotel in Itasca, IL to further their knowledge of the field and to network with their peers. It would be my joy to share with you some of the many highlights at this years’ conference. To begin the entire week was packed with presenters and trainers who were ready to enlighten eager professionals with their information. IAODAPCA expanded the workshop topics this year acknowledging the fact that addiction is not limited to drugs and Alcohol, addiction affects all people, young and old, black and white, male and female. Eating Disorders, Sex Addiction, Process Addiction and Gambling addiction were all relevant addictions discussed this year. IAODAPCA also included many types of recovery techniques such as Yoga therapy, Medicated Assisted treatment and Holistic Healing. Attendees were introduced to CORE, Citizens Organized for Recovery and Education which has been formed to be a voice for all those concerned about critical issues pertaining to the field. Attendees were also updated regarding the state of their professional association at the annual Board of Directors meeting.

Participants also had the opportunity to win a scholarship to next years conference. April Hurley won the one day scholarship and Sheri Anderson won the scholarship for the entire week. Congratulation ladies, we will see you next year!

There are many “Thank You’s’” to be sent out. Our volunteers are so dedicated to this conference and it is critical that we have professionals like you who willingly assist us during this week. We could not execute such an organized function without your help. We appreciate your time and enthusiasm, we count on you every year and you never disappoint!

Thank you to all of the presenters and trainers who provided their skills and knowledge to our attendees. You are a vital key not only to the counselors in the field but also to the public. You make it your obligation to pass on your skills and techniques to those in the filed and through this education counselors continue to provide help to those who so desperately need it. You are all true inspirations and we cannot possibly acknowledge the amount of gratitude we have for you.

When attendees were not in their workshops, you could find them in the exhibit hall networking with vendors. The exhibit hall was full of ambitious representatives ready to inform participants of their organization and how they can work together. IAODAPCA was pleased to see the continued support even as our field endured yet another round of budget cuts. We could not provide such a conference without the support of our vendors. To those who joined us for the 15th year and to those who joined us for the first time, we know your funds are scarce and your time is valuable and that is why we owe you the biggest thank you of all! Click here (VENDOR LIST) to see the complete list of vendors.

Thank you to all who attended, all who presented, all who volunteered and all who exhibited. You should be proud that you are able to contribute so much to this field and know that each of you demonstrated professionalism in every form. We applaud you and hope to see all of you next year.

If you are interested in attending, presenting or exhibiting next year, please feel free to call the office at 217-698-8110.