Posted by Robert/FL on 5/11/10 5:56am
Msg #335794

Why would ANYONE go to an NNA conference?

To hear a bunch of false and overly generalized information that doesn't apply to your state?

Or maybe just to hear an hour long sermon about how electronic notarization is the way of the future?

No, I've got it.... they want to tell people what a great product ENJOA is, so we can all drop $800 on a fancy machine that is nothing more than a computerized journal.

Any other reasons why going to the NNA conference would be beneficial?

Reply by PAW on 5/11/10 7:21am
Msg #335795

Have you ever attended a NNA conference?

Or are you reiterating what others have said? Granted, I'm not a supporter of the NNA, but some things there may be beneficial. There's more to the convention than just the NNA sessions. Probably the most important feature for many will be the ability to meet & greet other signing agents from across the country. Many signing agents do not frequent the 'boards' (such as NotRot), so there is an untapped resource for many attendees. And there's always "I've wanted to visit Chicago anyway, why not combine business and pleasure?" May allow for some tax relief to offset the cost of the conference. Further, I do believe the NNA has cut down considerably on their false or misleading information. But it must be noted that it seems to me, the NNA major thrust and obvious attention is towards signing agents, as that's where their bread and butter is.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/11/10 7:23am
Msg #335797

Reason to go to NNA conference...

*Any other reasons why going to the NNA conference would be beneficial?*

Tax deductible meet up of friends you know through NR.

Otherwise, I can't think of a one.

Anyone?

Reply by cawest/PA on 5/11/10 8:36am
Msg #335804

Re: Reason to go to NNA conference...

if it drops on a day where the mother-in-law is visiting ... I am gone

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/11/10 9:11am
Msg #335811

ROFL Corinne n/m

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 5/11/10 7:36am
Msg #335799

When I went to the one in LA a few years ago, I picked up some new business. I also met up with some NR firends and others that I knew from CA. I didn't learn anything, but I had a really fun time.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/11/10 8:25am
Msg #335802

I have never attended one, nor do I intend to. I do think the main reason people attend is to network with other NSA's. I've heard that there are tc's & ss's that attend. IMO, it is more about promoting the NNAs agenda, and a money-maker for them.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/11/10 8:32am
Msg #335803

I'm curious. If you've never been a member & have no experience with them, on what do you base your statements? It might be a good idea to start some of your commentary with "IMO" or "IMHO", since it is your opinions you are expressing.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 5/11/10 8:59am
Msg #335806

I would attend an NNA Conference

I've attended my share of conferences as a former insurance professional. It was rare that I learned anything of huge value. I use to view the trip as a waste of time and money until I learned that conferences are what you make of them. It was really an opportunity to network and develop new business relationships. I viewed it as a chance to "re-charge my batteries" and set new business goals.

If I had the cash and the free time I would attend an NNA Conference for a variety of reasons. The main one being, picking up marketing tips, learning about other services to offer, finding other notaries with websites who are willing to do link-exchange. All of this, of course, would take place while networking in and out of those workshop sessions. I've read about some of the workshops that are taught by signing agents (some are NotRot members) and I picked up some helpful information. Yes, I'm a member of NNA. I get a magazine from them.

Most of us are independent contractors. I know I could benefit from spending 1- 2 days with colleagues, "talking shop," and sharing best-practices. I do network with some NotRot members by phone, but what I wouldn't give to meet some of you in person and talk over dinner or drinks.

I like the fact that a notary-related organization holds regular conferences. It may not be perfect but it's something. Perhaps next year I can make it.

Reply by Notarysigner on 5/11/10 9:30am
Msg #335815

I would go....if it were close...networking with peers

..Conferences can be very beneficial as you listen and discuss different views face to face. Getting out of the box and finding out what others think increases your people skills. You can learn from any conference you attend. IMO

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 5/11/10 12:15pm
Msg #335837

I might...

I think it depends. I'd go to meet with people... not necessarily because I wanted to learn anything.

I would also go in support of a fellow notary that I knew if they were being honored.


The NNA does have some good to it... it's just tricky wading through the marketing to get there is all.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 5/11/10 10:45pm
Msg #335982

Re: I did attend

In New Orleans 2008. It was a lot of fun..learning not so much..But the best was talking to other Notaries from across the country! We met some very nice people, we danced, exchanged ideas and had a wonderful time!

I thought that I would finally meet some TCs and SS as promoted in the NNA literature that year..but only one TC there and they had an unmanned table with a free pen..I was looking forward to meeting these people.

I did not have to pay for anything so it was extra nice for me. It is very expensive to attend..the flight, hotel and conference itself. But keep in mind this is tax deductible!

I think I would go again if it was a lot closer to home and I would go only for the Gala celebration that they have on opening night..and the Notary of the Year celebration!

JMHO

Reply by Daniel Woodman on 6/22/10 1:54pm
Msg #341909

Re: Why would ANYONE go...TAXES

Okay, at least three people in this thread have mentioned "the tax deduction" as a reason for attending the NNA conference. Just like carrying a home mortgage with interest, the tax deduction is NOT a good reason in and of itself for going to the conference. Think about it. If you're in the 30% tax bracket, what you're advocating as wise business management is this (for example): spending $1,000 on the conference to keep from sending $300 ($1,000 of taxable income multiplied by 30%) to the IRS. Granted, I'd do just about anything to keep from having to send the IRS more money, but is it really worth $1,000? The logic is the same as "you need to have a mortgage so you can deduct the interest." WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO SEND $5,000/year TO THE BANK TO KEEP FROM SENDING $1,500 TO THE IRS?!

I know you hear this stuff all the time, but don't get sucked into believing the faulty logic. If you want to go to the conference, go because you hope to benefit from it in some other way; because it is NOT going to put extra cash in your pocket!