Responsible Conferencing
Aligning Attendance with Personal Values
Originally published on January 10, 2025 it’s time to hit the road for NASPA 2025. If you are attending the conference, now may be a good opportunity to be sure you are making every effort to make your visit align with your values.
Attending conferences responsibly while aligning with personal values can be challenging, especially when the host location's politics conflict with one's beliefs. As a faculty member and student affairs professional, I find myself in a dilemma. The upcoming NASPA national conference in New Orleans is a crucial event for my field, but Louisiana's political landscape deeply conflicts with my personal beliefs. Rather than boycotting, I've decided to attend mindfully, focusing on ways to support local communities that align with my values.
Supporting Women-Owned and Black-Owned Businesses
One way to make a positive impact while attending the conference is that I plan to patronize local businesses owned by underrepresented groups and stay away from corporate mega-stores and restaurants. New Orleans boasts a vibrant community of women-owned and Black-owned businesses that deserve support.
Some women-owned businesses that caught my eye include:
Fleurty Girl: A local gift shop started by a single mother
Century Girl: A vintage clothing store curated by Leah Blake
By intentionally choosing where to spend my money, I can contribute to the local economy while supporting businesses that align with my values.
Leave Corporate Dining Aside
New Orleans offers an incredible array of locally owned restaurants and these lists of women and Black owned restaurants can feel overwhelming (too much great food), but after some scouring... these stand out:
Neyow's Creole Café: A cherished local spot serving authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine like gumbo and étouffée.
Johnny's Po-Boys: A cash-only local institution in the French Quarter serving classic New Orleans sandwiches.
Verti Marte: A 24/7 local market and deli known for flavorful Creole-inspired po-boys and entrees. Great to stock the hotel mini-fridge.
Coop's Place: A local favorite offering unpretentious Cajun food with dishes like rabbit & sausage jambalaya.
Ethical Conferencing Considerations
As I make plans for this and other future conference travel, these are some of my guiding considerations:
Utilize my network in the host city, to learn about local eateries and shops to frequent, but also how can I support local advocacy groups that align with my priorities?
Attend conference sessions that align with my values as well as those where I can challenge appropriately and respectfully.
Network with colleagues to discuss “values based discoveries” in advance of and during the conference.
Share my experiences and insights with others in the field and those in NASPA leadership.
By approaching conference attendance thoughtfully, those who are struggling as I am can better engage in professional development while still upholding our personal ethics and making a positive impact on the host community.
