What are you doing the last week of July? As it happens, the 27th is my birthday! And I'd like to invite all of you to help me celebrate at the IAAP Conference in Minneapolis. Having attended this event last year, I know for fact that it provides a top-notch learning experience as well as an amazing opportunity to network with your peers and just have a fun time.

The International Education Forum and Annual Meeting is hosted by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and offers more than 50 educational workshops focusing on topics from management skills to leadership development. Plus, throughout the week, there are plenty of social events and mixers to help you let loose and get to know your fellow IAAP members.

The event runs from Saturday, July 25th to Thursday, July 30th. We would like to invite all of you to stop by the OfficeArrow booth during the Office Expo event (a tradeshow style set-up where you'll find a complete showcase of products, services, programs, publications and software for your profession). This takes place on Sunday, July 26th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and Monday the 27th from 8:30 am to noon. Stop by, say "hi" and pick up your free OfficeArrow goodies. We'll also be doing a few drawings where we'll give away OA Premium Membership packages so be sure to get there early!

Additionally, on Monday, July 27th, Joan Burge (author and OA contributing expert) will be there with us to sign copies of her new book, Underneath It All. Bring yours with you (OA discount is available here) or pick one up when you get there.

Since the conference boasts over 50 workshops, you'll have a lot of great topics and speakers from which to choose. However, you won't want to miss the two sessions being offered by the OA Career Consultant, Lisa Olsen on Wednesday, July 29th:

8:00-11:15 am: Going Through the Emotions - Emotional Resiliency in the Changing Workplace

1:30-3:30 pm: The Credibility Factor - Use It or Lose It!

During the conference, you'll be able to pick up a copy of Lisa's book When Work Becomes You: It's All About the Fit at the event bookstore. One lucky conference attendee will also receive a FREE Resume Makeover package (retail value $332.50) provided by Lisa. Details on the contest will be announced at the event.

Lastly, because it's my birthday and all, I'm adding a special little giveaway just for OA members. Stop by our booth on either Sunday the 26th or Monday the 27th and, the first fifteen people to wish me happy birthday will win a special gift.

If you haven't bought your tickets yet, don't worry - there's still time. Purchase them here. See you there!