Working with vendors is a fact of life for registrars and admissions officers. But a lot of us might feel reluctant to engage with vendors at a conference. If that’s you, this episode is a must listen! Vendors are there to support the organization (either AACRAO or your state and regional) as they provide important services to our industry, and they’re there to be seen, get their company name out, and build relationships with people rather than pushing a sale. You can ask them things! You can give direct feedback about products you use! There’s significant value to be gleaned from these interactions–for you AND the vendor.  

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t stress about talking to vendors at a conference: they’re there to get their name out and to receive feedback, they don’t expect anyone to sign a contract in the vendor hall: they know how higher education works. 
• The Corporate Relations or Corporate Liaison position in your State and Regional Association spends time building relationships with vendors to get sponsors for conferences and meetings, and to ensure that the time spent at the conference is valuable for both parties. 
• You can preview which vendors are going to be at the conference in the conference app; make a plan for which vendors you want to touch base with, which vendors you want to explore, and which vendors you just want to pick up swag for your staff back in the office.   

Host:

Doug McKenna, University Registrar
George Mason University
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Guests:

Colleen Harms, Associate Registrar
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
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Sara Morelli, Senior Associate Registrar
University of Iowa
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References and Additional Information:

AACRAO Core Competencies - Leadership & Management

AACRAO Professional Proficiencies - Records and Academic Services