By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
“It’s about to get really crowded, really loud, really fast.”
That was the prediction from one volunteer moments before the doors opened to our event for first-time attendees—and they were absolutely right.
More than 8,200 square feet of space filled quickly as first-timers of the Annual Meeting streamed in to experience one of our most energetic and welcoming events. Designed like a college fair, the room featured about 20 tables hosted by AACRAO groups and service areas, each eager to share what they do and how to get involved.
And they didn’t come empty-handed—tables were piled with colorful swag, creative giveaways, and a generous supply of candy and treats. From flashy buttons and branded pens to stickers and gummy bears, it was a sensory treat meant to draw people in and start conversations.
To help break the ice, each first-timer received a bingo card filled with prompts designed to spark engagement, such as “Find someone who has attended an AACRAO webinar,” or “Who has won an award?” helped attendees discover new programs and people while checking off boxes toward their bingo prize. A completed card meant a shot at great prizes—but also a guarantee of new connections and a better understanding of the community they were joining.
The energy in the room was contagious. Laughter echoed from table to table, spontaneous introductions led to meaningful conversations, and raffle tickets poured in at nearly every stop. I was behind the Connect Newsletter and Podcast table welcoming a stream of new in-person traffic, with a bag full of raffle entries by the end of the session—and not a single button or gummy bear left behind.
In the middle of the excitement, our podcast crew was on the move, interviewing attendees and capturing the buzz of the evening. But beyond the giveaways, games, and good food, the heart of the Experience AACRAO event was about making people feel seen and welcomed.