This event, organized by the Membership Committee, is a venue for student members and emerging professionals to meet with each other and with members of the leadership of the VRA, including one or more Executive Board members. The question and answer format provides an opportunity to ask VRA leaders about topics such as educational issues, employment opportunities, and emerging trends in image management. It provides VRA leadership with an occasion to share ways in which student and new professional members bring valuable knowledge and insights to our organization, and encourage such members to become active within the association. It is also an important opportunity for emerging professionals and student members to network with each other. While the Membership Committee Chair will be present to moderate the discussion, the goal is to allow for an environment where an informal and collegial dialogue can unfold, and provide a starting place where members and VRA leadership can learn from each other.
The Summer Educational Institute, a joint project of ARLIS/NA and the VRA Foundation, has provided educational summer workshops on image management since 2004. A long-standing tradition, the SEI Reunion at the VRA conference offers the opportunity for SEI alums, instructors, and organizers to gather informally. At this year's Reunion, SEI faculty, students, and planners from past Institutes can reconnect, meet the current SEI Implementation Team, and learn more about SEI 2012. Students attending SEI 2012 are also invited to participate. This year, by special invitation, VRA Foundation Gold, Silver and Bronze level donors are invited to attend this event where they can meet participants who have benefited from this important educational initiative.
