The attendance topped the 6,000 mark, a 20 percent increase from 2002. And 191 corporate sponsors attended this year along with 63 academic sponsors.
For the first time this year, we had an entire day dedicated to professional development. Professionals were able to attend workshops on a variety of topics that included marketing, finance, leadership and management. Students found the HIRE (Hiring procedures, Interview process, Resume preparation and Evaluating an offer) helpful. Look for this day to return next year.
The Conference was also an opportunity to celebrate NSHMBA's 15th year anniversary and the accomplishment of one of our most important milestones: giving away ONE million dollars in scholarships in 2003 via matching funds. Guillermo Silberman, recipient of the Capital One Scholarship; Maria Coello, recipient of the Wachovia Scholarship; Sunshine Farzan, recipient of the Pitney Bowes Scholarship; and Efrain Villa, recipient of
The Coca Cola Company Scholarship were honored along with our scholarship recipients during the Scholarship Luncheon. Those who attended the luncheon also were able to listen to Charles Patrick Garcia, chief executive officer of Sterling Financial Investment Company talking about the keys to success. They also received his book, A Message from Garcia, Yes, You Can Succeed.
The conference came to an end Saturday night with the Brillante Award Reception, Dinner and Entertainment. At the Brillante Award Dinner, Dell received the Corporate Award, Julian Sanchez received the Corporate Executive Award, Ana Maria Fernandez Haar was awarded the Entrepreneur Award, the NSHMBA Member Service Award went to Roberto Quiñones and the Non-Profit Award was awarded to HACE. Jack Leary, vice president of employee relations at United Technologies, spoke at the event and offered examples of triumph over adversities and provided insight into the different companies that make up the United Technology Corporations. The Brillante Entertainment, sponsored by Office Depot, followed immediately after the dinner. The dance floor was filled with people enjoying the music of Oscar D'Leon.
| Location: | Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Dates: | November 6 - 8 |
| Total Attendance: | 6,000+ MBA professionals and students |
| Corporate Sponsors: | 191 |
| Academic Sponsors: | 63 |
| Total Sponsors: | 254 |
| Available Jobs: | 1000+ |
| Scholarship Amount Awarded: | $1 M. |