Then you’re a Premier or a Newcomer! Premiers are advancement professionals attending their first CASE V conference. Newcomers are new to the advancement field.

Premiers and Newcomers Conference Introduction
Sunday, Dec.12, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
After lunch and before sessions begin — don’t miss this workshop that introduces Premiers and Newcomers to conference leaders, shares advice on how to get the most from the conference, details the hotel floor plan, and provides an opportunity to begin networking with colleagues.

Career Mentoring
Starting a career in advancement can be overwhelming. In addition to figuring out your job and how to be successful at that, you also need to understand how all aspects of advancement work together, how the institution works, who the players are, and what happens when. Developing your own professional network of colleagues who share similar work goals and have faced similar situations can be very valuable.

CASE V has a new Career Mentor Program, which can be an important first step in developing your network. CASE V members who are attending the CASE V Conference may apply to either be placed with a career mentor or to serve as a career mentor. While the opportunity is open to all members, it is recommended that those who wish to be a career mentor have at least three years experience in their current profession.

To be placed with a mentor, complete the appropriate application. Applications are due Nov. 15. Matches will be done as much as possible according to professional discipline (alumni, development, media relations, publications, independent schools, etc.), level of responsibilities, and institution characteristics (public, private, four-year, etc.) Contact information will be shared with both the mentor and mentee. Mentors will be asked to contact their mentee and arrange for a meeting during the CASE V conference.

Newcomers’ and Premiers’ Survival Guide

• Get off track! Attend at least one session from outside your emphasis area.
  
  
• Meet someone new! Don't be shy — start up a conversation with someone sitting next to you. Be sure to exchange business cards!
  
  
• Remember CASE’s other meaning: Copy And Steal Everything! Don't re-invent the wheel when you get back to the office. Take ideas you see from the exchange table or hear about in your sessions and use them!
  
  
• Relax! It's Christmas time in Chicago. Walk the Magnificent Mile. Visit Navy Pier—it's a short 15 minute walk away. Don't forget your walking shoes!
  
  
• Eat, eat, eat! There's much more to eat after you've had that slice of Chicago-style pizza. Visit the Hospitality Desk for a list of restaurants.
  
  
• Visit the Resource Center often! It's not only where (Free!) breakfast and beverage breaks can be found —you'll also see the latest in advancement resources. And, you can win some valuable door prizes.
  
  
• Visit the exchange table in the Resource Center. Take home a wide variety of ideas. (Again, remember the other meaning for CASE — Copy and Steal Everything!)
  
  
• Sign up for a Roundtable. It's a very informal discussion on a specific topic. You'll be able to get some new ideas and offer some help to colleagues.
  
  
• Go to lunch or dinner with other Premiers and Newcomers. Find others attending the conference and head out on the town for good food and conversation.
  
  
• Network, have dinner, head to the dance floor with other CASE V colleagues! After the CASE V Opening Extravaganza and some dinner, plan to head back to the Sheraton Waves, Lobby Level, from 9:30-11:30 for some live relaxing music and dancing. Dress is casual — wear your college colors!