SCUP Staff Rocks!

Thank You! Thank You Very Much!

2009-10-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

Hi y'all from Memphis! I just thought I would share a pic of my groovy Elvis sunglasses! Lily (Southern regional rep), got these sunglasses as thank you gifts for me, Tom W (conf chair), Tom N (local host) and Todd (program chair). I've been wearing them around since last night which makes all the attendees giggle of course.

I miss you all and wish you were here. For now, Elvis has left the building!

Go Blue, Too!

2009-09-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Whew! It's just April...

[I don't know which photo is scarier! LOL]

Go Blue!

2009-09-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

April Pichlik, a ferocious wolverine fan!

Calhoun's Throw Shop

2009-09-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Ann Arbor Throw Shop

Terry Calhoun & Son

carbonfund voting results

2009-08-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Try this audience polling system at Poll Everywhere

Carbonfund donation

2009-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Replace your audience response systems with Poll Everywhere

New Member Orientation

2009-07-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Susan Rogers & Ken Higa playfully pose while welcoming new members to the ice cream social of the year!

Closing of the Idea Marketplace

2009-07-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to help Martha with breakdown of the Idea Marketplace last night. It was nice to have one last chance to thank our exhibitors and supporters. Can't believe it coming to an end!

Little Slice of Home

2009-07-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Most everyone here in Portland has seen me carrying this around but I thought I would share it with those of you at home. Zoe drew me a sweet picture and it is the front cover of the binder I am carrying around. Most of my regional volunteers have seen it and think it's adorable! Thanks to Zoe and Michelle for helping me feel connected.

Registrations Are Strong!

2009-07-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Registration: 1,260 at 9:45 a.m. pacific!

Terry Blogging

2009-07-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Terry has been making frequent updates to www.createthefuture.info.

HGTV "Design Star" Star

2009-07-21T09:22:00.001-07:00

This is Dan, a waiter at the Portland City Grill and an architecture graduate from University of Oregon. He looks like Timothy Dalton. He said that he was on a show on HGTV called Design Star, which is a design competition. The season started Monday night.

Learn more about Dan at http://www.hgtv.com/dan-vickery/bio/index.html.

Beth's Birthday

2009-07-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Beth (third from right)! She is one of the fantastic temporary staff that are manning our registration desk! Thanks to Beth for spending her special day with us! Thanks to Teri for the special birthday hats!

Martha My Dear

2009-07-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Martha in SCUP office at the Oregon Convention Center. Terry and April in background.

2009-07-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Jolene and Kathy in the staff office (next to the food table... hum).

2009-07-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

2009-07-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

View of the Foucault from above. Sweet.

Teri & Jerry

2009-07-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Aren't they cute!! Here they are standing under the artwork in front of reg.

Portland State University

2009-07-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

A view from Hilton Hotel toward Portland State University.

Registrations

2009-07-20T13:30:00.001-07:00

Registration at 1:30 p.m. on Monday is 1,252!

Our AV Goonies

2009-07-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a photo of our crazy AV guys visiting the location where the movie "Goonies" was filmed! Those crazy guys, they fit in just great with SCUP staff!

Registrations

2009-07-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Good question Anne! Looks like we are up to 1238 right now!!

Opening Ceremony was PHENOMENAL

2009-07-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I can say about last night's opening ceremony! I was nearly brought to tears. The "puppets" created from the beautiful mind of Michael Curry were magical! At one point of the the horses came over to me and bent it's head down. I had to reach out and pet it! It was completely natural even though I knew it wasn't a real horse. I looked around at our attendees and they were mesmerized. Everyone I spoke to at the reception afterwards was absolutely blown away by the experience. The only one that had something bad to say was Niraj...because he has no idea how they are going to follow it next year!!

I know Kathy will take none of the credit, rightfully giving most of it to our fantastic volunteers. However, I've watched her over the last few days putting out fires and dealing with unexpected additions to this event and it WOULD NOT have happened as well as it did without her. BRAVA KATHY!

Here are some pics taken from my phone, better ones are coming but I just couldn't wait to share. My only regret is that not all of us got to see it. Perhaps when we get the professional video we can have a screening party in the office. Bring your tissues!!

Registrations?

2009-07-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am seeing registrations pour into my inbox . . . what is our latest count?

K U D O S to our heroes ! ! ! ! !

2009-07-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

Guess who spent Sunday reaching out across 2,345 miles to help us out in Portland?

After a loooong and "somewhat harried" search for a workshop presenter's powerpoint, Michelle got wind of what was happening. She RAN to her car, . . . drove around A2. . . , found Kate. . . , who found her laptop . . . , on which the golden powerpoint resided.

We were amazed and SO grateful.

Michelle and Kate, you guys are phenomenal! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Newest SCUP staff member

2009-07-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

. . . or is this Karen on little sleep??

Joyful Noise

2009-07-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

When I saw Ken Higa at the SCUP Connection Reception on Saturday night he told me, "When I registered today I could hear you laughing but I just couldn't find you!" Good thing I was laughing and not screaming huh?!

2009-07-19T14:04:00.001-07:00

view of the lobby area and meeting rooms A, B, and C.

2009-07-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

view of the registration and idea marketplace entrance

2009-07-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

View of idea marketplace being set up.

2009-07-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

View of the registration area.

FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS

2009-07-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Boy are our members pouring out the info in these excellent focus groups. Be prepared to fill your ears and brains with the recordings from these!!

Our Teri

2009-07-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here she is, Miss Registration!!! Our Teri, with a smile on her face as always, helping our attendees get registered, add tours, change name badges, and much, much more. Thanks Teri!

Staff Meeting on Sunday

2009-07-18T13:29:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning at 6:15 a.m. we will have a mandatory staff meeting to discuss the logistics of our opening ceremony. Please attend and bring your smiles and enthusiasm!

Sculpture Just for Us!

2009-07-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

There is an event going on in the Pioneer Square a block down from our hotel. It's called "Sand in the City" and for the weekend they truck in sand to this square in the middle of downtown. They say, "It's just like being at the beach without the water!" There are several sand sculptures, but we thought this one must have been created just for us!

Exciting Surprise

2009-07-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

While Karen and I were driving around PSU's campus we stumbled across a rehearsal. Lo and behold at that exact time, our opening ceremony puppeteers were getting in a little rehearsal. What are the odds?! So, this is a sneak peek. Now I'm really excited to see the whole thing!!!!

Adventures in Driving

2009-07-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Karen and I were driving around Portland yesterday afternoon (in her wicked silver HHR!) doing some errands on the way to the Board meeting. While looking for a loading dock to deliver workshop materials it appears we drove onto campus...literally! Thankfully, before the cops showed up, I hoped out and walked the stuff over while Karen pulled on to a real street. You'll notice on the dash that we did have a map but some helpful gentlemen showed us a "shortcut!" Good times!

Board Dinner - Davis Street Tavern

2009-07-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

It was hot. The food was good. The company was great. Friday night at Davis Street Tavern in Portland, OR.

Quote of the Day

2009-07-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

"I have my radio, I know how to use it. I am no longer anyone's puppet!" Jolene Knapp after discovering she had a radio assigned to "Puppet 1."

There she is!

2009-07-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Where is Tanya?

2009-07-17T09:02:00.001-07:00

Ann Arbor Updates

2009-07-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

We're all in our places with bright shining faces!

Phones and Faxes

2009-07-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

April's mantra of the day "be smarter than the phone line"

Thursday (7/16) Dinner - Old Town Pizza

2009-07-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

All staff are invited to go to Old Town Pizza Thursday night for dinner. Meet at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Hilton outside of 921 restaurant. We'll go out doors of sixth street and head up to Pioneer Square. Old Town Pizza is two blocks off the Chinatown stop on Lightrail MAX. Join us in lobby or find us at the restaurant.

planes, trains, automobiles

2009-07-15T16:29:00.001-07:00

After nearly getting my leg bit off by this salmon, I took a taxi to the Tacoma train station because my brother-in-law's car broke down. I paid an arm and a leg to get there, but enjoyed the ride to Portland!!

To those of you safe in A2, I hope you enjoy the Art Fair. We'll miss you out here AND you're with us in spirit!!!!

Taking the train from the airport

2009-07-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

You'll get off the train on the North side of Pioneer Courthouse Square; walk across the square and up 6th Avenue to the hotel. The main tower / entry to the hotel is on the right side of 6th Avenue.

The OCC

2009-07-15T09:39:00.001-07:00

The MLK entry is open, walk down MLK Boulevard to the entry across from Oregon Street. From there go down the escalator, turn right and head toward Hall A. our office is directly across from it.

Your Train Stop at the convention center!

2009-07-15T09:35:00.001-07:00

Take the red line or blue line from Pioneer Courthouse Square eastbound to the convention center stop. Don't be confused by the yellow train with the route name of expo center!

Travel Tips for Staff

2009-07-14T08:34:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

I can't believe it's already time to start thinking about travel to Portland! I just got back from Petoskey and haven't even unpacked yet!

I wanted to alert you to a couple of helpful web pages that you might want to look over before you leave:

Attendees Corner: This is gives you information on taking the light rail from the airport to the hotel. It only costs $2.30 and it takes you within 2 blocks of the hotel: www.scup.org/page/annualconf/44/attendees_corner

Talk Like a Portlander: Also on the attendees corner page. Just in case you missed it or need a refresher!

Hotel page: This gives information on the conference hotels: www.scup.org/page/annualconf/44/hotel

I look forward to hearing from those of you in Ann Arbor over the next week. Keep us in the loop on what is happening here at home!

SCUP-44 Materials Ship!

2009-07-01T06:16:00.001-07:00

A SCUP-44 milestone passed quietly this morning. Bill, from Bekins trucking, picked up our 5 pallets of conference materials and will be spending the next week driving it to Portland. As you can see by the photo, Karen is quite excited.

Thanks to all the staff and students, led by our dear Tanya, for helping get this shipment out the door! Everyone was very supportive and jumped in whenever and wherever it was needed. Just as SCUPers always do!

Thanks for reactivating!

2009-06-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Good energy, all. I agree that this is especially important at this year's conference when we'll miss having many of you on site with us. Your work behind the scenes makes it all happen and this is a great tool to stay connected.

Registration Hits 1,000!

2009-06-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today registration for SCUP-44 hit the four digit mark, 1,000 and we celebrated with a pizza party!

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work to get us to this point! Thanks to SCUP for providing the pizza and the opportunity to celebrate!

SCUP STAFF ROCK!

44 Dress Code

2009-06-19T05:54:00.001-07:00

I didn't have a copy of the dress code from last year, but I found it on gaia. In case others were wondering the same thing, here it is:

SCUP Annual Conference
Dress Code

Our standard conference working attire is business casual, with comfortable shoes being the most important consideration. Dressier business attire is appropriate for those who are leading meetings, roundtables, etc. with members and attendees.

During periods where you will be working registration or setting up, clean pressed khaki pants, tennis shoes, and a nice shirt may be worn. When choosing a shirt, please keep in mind that you are the face of scup and need to look professional. No T-shirts.

Set up on Thursday and Friday at the convention center can be more casual - shorts/capris are ok. Registration opens at 3pm on Friday, if working registration you may bring clothes to the convention center to change into.

Thanks to SCUP leadership for a dress code that focuses on comfort! Nothing better to keep us going than comfortable shoes!

SCUP Staff Rocks! Blog Back by Popular Demand

2009-06-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

We have heard you loud and clear so the SCUP Staff Rocks! blog that was started last year is returning! Jennifer and I have agreed to work from both SCUP office (Portland and Ann Arbor) to keep the blog alive through SCUP-44. Since we had to limit the number of staff going to Portland due to the economy the blog will be even more important to stay connected with one another. I've agreed to post stuff that's happening in Portland and Jennifer has agreed to keep us posted on what's happening in Ann Arbor.

I look forward to sharing all the excitment, heartache, and exhaustion of SCUP-44 and can't wait to read posts on what's happening at home to keep me going through the long days!

Thanks!
April

I'm gonna get ya

2008-07-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

Great Job Betty and Martha!

2008-07-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Great job in the idea marketplace!!!

Sleepy SCUPers

2008-07-22T08:39:00.001-07:00

customs check

2008-07-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Heading to the airport -- yes, it is $35 canadian and 30 minutes by taxi. Plan on an hour for getting through customs. At 9:30 am, Monday morning found approximately 30 patient people in the corrals shuffling through four different checks on passport and custom declarations. The interesting thing is that you pass through and walk past two duty free shop areas (the second is an array of alcoholic beverages) on the way to your international gate. Is that a comment on the importance of alcohol in international good will?

2008-07-21T11:45:00.001-07:00

2008-07-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks AV team!

2008-07-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Big brother is watching you!

2008-07-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Tom & Sunny lighting up the room

2008-07-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Is it a mime or is it Kathy?

2008-07-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

2008-07-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Love to Michelle!

2008-07-21T10:26:00.001-07:00

Michelle Pierson was thanked personally from the podium during the plenary session this morning by Watson Harris and by the North Central Region during their business meeting Monday at 11 a.m.! They think she is doing a great job helping out with the regions and the annual conference! I agree and we miss her being here!

Brain Freeze

2008-07-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Watch out...the water is cold.

Being Green

2008-07-21T06:07:00.001-07:00

Ahh! Marc's being "Green"

New SCUP Staff :)

2008-07-21T06:03:00.002-07:00

What a great addition to our group! :)

Say Good-bye to Geri

2008-07-21T06:03:00.001-07:00

Food! Wine! SCUP!

2008-07-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Say Cheese!

Sighting of Staff Members

2008-07-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone say hi to Claire!

2008-07-19T12:55:00.001-07:00

2008-07-19T12:41:00.001-07:00

2008-07-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

2008-07-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

2008-07-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

2008-07-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

2008-07-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hey, thanks Jennifer! We are walkin' the blog-talk!!

Great Idea

2008-07-19T07:51:00.001-07:00

Great idea, Jennifer!

Yummy Yummy Dessert!

2008-07-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Earlier Mornings at SCUP-43

2008-07-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Yeah! It's 5:15 am.