Making a Comeback – BIG NTI 2021
Written by: Vera Medici
This year marked the first virtual Blacks In Government (BIG) National Training Institute (NTI), making an enthusiastic comeback from its cancellation in 2020 due to global health concerns. The 2021 event shifted to fully virtual conference sessions and a virtual exhibit hall, with several in-person networking receptions and onsite coordination by executive committee members with the local host chapter of BIG, the Region XI Council.
Management Concepts was pleased to support the event as a gold sponsor, expanding our extremely popular Leadership Course and hosting two networking events. The theme for this year’s BIG NTI was “Training Matters – Roadmap to Securing Your Career Goals!” which Management Concepts supports wholeheartedly as a longtime corporate partner of BIG and a provider of training and professional and organizational development programs for the federal government for over 48 years.
Off to a Great Start
As usual, the conference kicked off with high energy but with a twist compared to years past. Attendees tuned in virtually while the executive committee gathered in person and live-streamed the presentation of colors, singing of the national anthem, and an inspiring invocation. A series of welcome speeches followed, including the first NTI address from the Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq. as National President of BIG, rising to the occasion following past president Dr. Doris Sartor. Following the opening plenary, attendees dispersed to training sessions covering a wide range of topics in professional skills, career advancement, personal wellness, and financial planning.
Leadership Development Program
Attendance maxed out at the BIG-Management Concepts Leadership Development Program once again. Due to the incredible response from NTI attendees year after year, the program was expanded from a one-day session to two full days. During the program, participants explored four modules selected from our Professional Government Supervisor Program, which features 30 topics aligned to the Office of Personnel Management’s Supervisory Training Framework and Senior Executive Service ECQs. This year’s topics included:
- Mentoring
- Managing Change
- Cultivating Motivation and Engagement
- Building Relationships Through Collaboration
Management Concepts instructor Dr. Margaret Eggleston presented the Leadership Development Program sessions and received glowing reviews featured in the BIG daily conference digest. Upon completion, each course participant received a joint BIG-Management Concepts certificate of attendance.
Leadership Certificate Scholarship
Michelle Clark, Director, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Management Concepts, had the honor of announcing the winner of the 2021 BIG-Management Concepts Leadership Certificate Program Scholarship, Ms. Renee Rawls. As part of our ongoing partnership with BIG, the winner receives complimentary training courses to earn a Leadership Certificate from Management Concepts. This competitive selection process includes an evaluation of professional qualifications, community activities, honors and awards, personal essays, and professional recommendations.
Networking Events
In addition to our virtual sessions and booth, we were pleased to sponsor two in-person networking events. The first was a pre-conference evening gathering of the BIG National Executive Committee and the National Board of Directors. Steve Maier, President of Management Concepts, was asked to say a few words and gave a moving address on how we can all do better together.
The second in-person networking event was the annual “Munch & Mingle” happy hour with the BIG NOW Generation. BIG’s NOW Generation program is targeted to its young professional members (under 40) and strives to advance their careers and provide opportunities for its members in building up the next generation of leading executives in government.
Until Next Time
Check out some of the event highlights on our Facebook album. Management Concepts is here to support BIG members in their learning journeys throughout the year. We hope to see all BIG members in Cleveland for NTI 2022! To learn about our many conferences, trade shows, networking events, scholarships, and other activities with BIG, visit our partnership page.
