GMAC 2015 - Denver

Today I returned from the annual MBA professional development conference held by the Graduate Management Admissions Council or GMAC. This week over 700 MBA professional staff members, from over 250 schools in 27 countries across the world converged on Denver, Colorado to learn about industry trends and share best practices. Most all the schools in attendance are GMAC member schools which means they foster and promote the GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test – produced by GMAC. Over a quarter of a million people take the GMAT every year and GMAC holds this conference to promote the data that is captured as well as share research about these test takers in the hopes that their members will be able to better reach and attract future students. The Auburn MBA program sent 4 staff members this year to learn more about admissions, operations, marketing and communications as well as overall program management. There were several concurrent sessions on how to best recruit students in a competitive market space, expanding the culture from full time MBA programs to part time/online MBA programs as well as looking at the best ways to plan orientation. I came away with a few nuggets of information to help me do my job better.

Did I mention it was in Denver! What a wonderful and vibrant city. Some much culture and natural beauty and I did have time to explore both inside and outside the city. I was able to venture to Red Rocks which is short bus and train and car ride from downtown Denver. It was well worth the trip. Red Rock is a historical and geological site that, in 1941, was also expanded to a concert venue. Much to my dismay there was not a concert the 3 days I was there, but getting a chance to peek inside as well as stand on the stage was pretty cool. I also had the opportunity to go to the Colorado Rockies baseball game and Coor’s Field. Rain impacted the start but it made for a beautiful sunset.

All in all it was a great visit. I was able to network with other colleagues, commiserate about similar challenges and learn that most everyone faces the same obstacles. Knowing that we all have the same hurdles and hoops helps reinforce that we all need to press on and follow through with helping MBA seekers find the right fit. I was also able to share new adventures with my colleagues and get to know them better. Whether in a conference ballroom or a geological outdoor concert venue, learning about others is very valuable in helping work teams coalesce to reach the goals of the organization.