Ambassadors

Ambassadors are experienced AEA or CES members who volunteer to reach out to first time conference attendees, international conference attendees, and anyone with questions. Ambassadors can also assist you in connecting with resources and people who share your interests. 

If you are a regular attendee at either AEA or CES conferences, please consider serving as an Ambassador. Take a moment to review the questions and answers below. If you decide you would like to serve as an ambassador, please contact the AEA office at info@eval.org, and indicate the date and slot that is best for you. The schedule of ambassador timeslots may be found at the end of this page.

Ambassadors: Questions and Answers

Why have an Ambassador program? Feedback from recent AEA conference evaluations suggests that first time attendees, international attendees, and even veteran conference-goers, can feel isolated or unsure of how to get the most out of the meeting. The data further suggest that many attendees are seeking networking opportunities – but are unsure as to how to reach out to others in the field. The Ambassador program is one way we are addressing these issues.

What are the qualifications of an Ambassador? Ambassadors have attended at least three AEA and/or CES conferences and have been an AEA or CES member for at least four years. They are outgoing, ready to meet new people, and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge about the conference.

What are the obligations of being an Ambassador? At the Conference, ambassadors volunteer for a single one to two hour scheduled shift. Ambassadors also wear an “Ambassador” ribbon throughout the conference indicating their willingness to answer questions at any time.

What do Ambassadors do during their scheduled shift? During receptions, Ambassadors seek out attendees with “first time attendee” ribbons, delegates from outside North America, and/or those who are not engaged with others. When at the registration area, Ambassadors are out among the registrants (not behind the desk) – particularly those waiting in line or standing alone. As a Plenary and coffee break host, Ambassadors interact with attendees as they enter the morning's opening session and at the coffee break following. Whether at a reception, at registration, or at the Plenary and coffee break, Ambassadors welcome attendees, may offer them a drink, give directions, ask about their work and reasons for attending, and recommend upcoming events or ways to get involved.

What do Ambassadors do the rest of the time? Ambassadors wear “Ambassador” ribbons on their  nametags throughout the Conference. They are willing to answer questions at any time. During the first time attendees' orientation, delegates will be encouraged to seek out Ambassadors should they have any questions. Ambassadors are looking for ways to help attendees get involved in CES, AEA, and the Conference. They may invite new attendees to join them for dinner, encourage them to attend a Topical Interest Group (TIG) meeting, or exchange business cards for follow-up after the conference. Great Ambassadors take a moment to stop and chat with attendees in the elevator or when sitting next to a first time attendee while waiting for a session to begin. Great Ambassadors connect attendees with each other – introducing newcomers to the field's leaders or other colleagues who might be interested in their work.

What are the benefits of being an Ambassador? Ambassadors get to meet new members and expand their network of colleagues. They help CES and AEA through making the Conference and our respective professional groups more welcoming. They help individual attendees by providing a way to connect with others and access information. Ambassadors serving during a reception receive tickets they may use to purchase drinks for new attendees. 

Ambassadors: Schedule

Tuesday, October 25: 3:45 – 5:30 PM (Registration Greeter)

1. Gene Lyle, Independent Consultant, USA

2. ______________________

 

Tuesday, October 25: 5:30 – 7:15 PM (Registration Greeter)

1. Cheryl Endres, Grand Rapids Community College, USA

2. Charles Clark, University of Illinois of Urbana-Champaign, USA
 

Wednesday,  October 26: 7:00 – 9:00 AM (Registration Greeter)

1.  Stan Capela, HeartShare Human Services, USA 

2.  Deborah G Bonnet, DBonnet Associates, USA

Wednesday, October 26: 6:15 – 8:00 PM (Evening Reception and Information Fair)

1. Rosalie T Torres, Torres Consulting Group, USA

2. Rebecca Eddy, Claremont Graduate University, USA

3. Ana Coghlan, Independent Consultant, BANGLADESH

4. Lyn Shulha, Evaluation, Planning and Assessment, CANADA

5. Sandra Mathison, University of British Columbia, CANADA

6. Darlene Russ-Eft, Oregon State University, USA

7. Nancy Porteous, Health Canada, CANADA

8. Deborah Wasserman, Columbus Children's Research Institute, USA

9. Rodney Hopson, Duquesne University, USA

10. Katye M Perry, Oklahoma State University, USA

11. Cheri Levenson, Cherna Consulting & Arts

12. Jana Kay Slater, Public Health Institute, USA

13.  Pauline Ginsberg, Utica College, USA

14.  ______________________

15.  ______________________

 

Thursday, October 27: 7:30 – 9:00 AM (Registration Greeter)  

1.  Ralph Renger, University of Arizona, USA

2.  _____________________

 

Thursday, October 27: 7:45 – 9:30 AM (Plenary and Coffee Break Host)

1.  Helene Johnson, University Laval Quebec, CANADA

2. Dick Krueger, University of Minnesota, USA

 

Friday, October 28: 7:45 – 9:30 AM (Plenary and Coffee Break Host)

1. Jennifer Martineau, Center for Creative Leadership, USA

2. Melanie Hwalek, SPEC Associates, USA

 

Friday, October 28: 6:15 – 8:00 PM (Evening Reception & International Auction)

1. George Julnes, Utah State University, USA

2. Jennifer Greene, University of Illinois, USA

3. Donna Mertens, Gallaudet University, USA

4. Dennis Affholter , University of Iowa , USA

5. Mary V Davis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

6. Hazel Symonette, University of Wisconisn Madison, USA

7. Linda E Lee, Proactive Information Services Inc, CANADA

8. Kathryn Race, Race & Associates Ltd, USA

9. Michael Bamberger, Independent Consultant, USA

10. Lizanne DeStefano , University of Illinois of Urbana-Champaign, USA

11. Victoria Essenmacher, SPEC Associates, USA

12. David Fetterman, Stanford University, USA

13. Jules M Marquart, Independent Consultant, USA

14. ______________________

15. ______________________

 

Saturday October 29: 7:45 – 9:30 AM (Plenary and Coffee Break Host)

1. Kelly Hannum, Center for Creative Leadership, USA

2. ______________________