NOAC guests to receive unique, revamped training

While training is often not the first thing that comes to the mind of an Arrowmen when considering NOAC, it is undoubtedly one of the most important and impactful. Conference brings together the best trainers from around the country to offer training that is unparalleled in the OA. This group of trainers are well-versed and educated in their topics and allow for leaders and leaders-to-be in local lodges to interface with one another to share their stories. There’s nothing quite like training at NOACs, and nothing quite like the theme session at this year’s conference.

By now, all of us are aware that this NOAC will be a bit different than those in the past. While many of the hallmarks that have come to define conferences will remain, the management team for NOAC 2015 is faced with a fantastic challenge: applying the same standards of excellence and excitement to conference events while balancing an expected attendance of roughly 15,000 Arrowmen; a true ocean of Scouts and Scouters. As you might expect, this has required some creative thinking and efficient logistical planning to pull off.

One area that will be unique to this conference from a logistical perspective is training. With 15,000 guests and staff members roaming the Michigan State campus, the facilities used to accommodate training at the 2012 and 2006 conferences simply won’t be able to fit the demand of NOAC attendees. At NOAC 2015, three days of training (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) will still remain, but a third of the conference each day will not participate in the regular training sessions.

In the morning on each of the three training days, a special training will be offered to the third of the conference during their day away from the regular training workflow. This training, titled “The Secret to Ruling the World,” involves a level of engagement, scale, and interaction never before seen during a NOAC theme session. Each morning on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the conference, the session will take place twice during the normal 9am – 12pm training block to accommodate all guests. Located at the Wharton Great Hall (capacity: approx. 2,400), this schedule allows for the production to be expanded to a scale that can reach all guests from all lodges.

Rather than signing up for “The Secret to Ruling the World” like other conference activities, lodge contingent leaders will receive more information upon arrival and check-in regarding the assigned time slot that the entire lodge will participate in this training. The key for each lodge during their day away from regular training sessions is to participate in activities as one group; this theme session represents one of the best ways to gather the entire lodge with other lodges around the country together to share in the experience.

Only a few months stand between you and your lodge’s arrival to Michigan State University. On one morning during the first week of August, each of you will have the opportunity to gather at Wharton Great Hall to learn a secret that has eluded even the most powerful of rulers and leaders. “It Starts With Us” at NOAC.

Last revised on June 9, 2015