Embracing Change

Director’s Note

Hi friends,

As we inch closer to a new season, the feeling of change and transition is in the air for many of us. Change is inevitable but embracing it can lead to growth and new opportunities. In regard to in-person events, planners around the world report seeing a change in attendee priorities(Link downloads file), with more emphasis being put on human connection after two years of isolation. One planner stated, “We need to revisit our conference agendas and make breaks longer and meal functions less structured. We need to look at human behavior and act accordingly.” 

Event planners have also noted a change in attendee behavior(Link is external) and the need to rethink their planning approach, acknowledging that not everyone is ready to embrace in-person events again. Are you prepared to participate in person? Use these tips to acclimate to meetings etiquette(Link is external) in 2022.

Speaking of change, New Haven ended its mask mandate on March 7th(Link is external). This means that people going to restaurants, stores, gyms, and more are no longer required to wear a face mask in our city. A return to pre-pandemic times seems closer than ever before.

Finally, Happy International Women’s Day! I’d like to take this opportunity to honor the women in our networks (and beyond) as we celebrate Women’s History Month. A very special “thank you” to the incredible ladies on my team for always going above and beyond, especially during these past two years. You’ve all proven that: “A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”

And to Kathryn Vieillard, best wishes to you on your new journey. Thank you for your eight years of tireless dedication to YC&E and Yale!

Stay well and cheers to all, 

Suzanne Shaw

Executive Director

On March 18, 2022, I will be leaving my office at 55 Whitney Avenue in New Haven for the last time. I am a planner and I had planned on working at Yale until my retirement in 2027. I had mapped out how long I could work, when I would start renovations on my summer cottage so I could make that my main retirement home, and what strategic changes I would make to my beloved condo in Hamden to get the maximum value. Then the pandemic hit. 

Like many other people, I had time to evaluate my life and the direction that it was headed in. It was the safe route. The route that would allow me to reap the harvest of the many enhancements that Yale Conference and Events had implemented over the past eight years. But, there was this nagging voice. I really enjoy mentoring and empowering staff, and building departments into what they can be. Part of me felt like I needed to make room. Room for my hard-working staff to grow and room for me to build one more team. 

So I am off! I have accepted a position at Brown University to be their Director of Event Strategy and Management. I will be reporting to the Senior Vice President for University Communications. They have a small, but mighty team of dedicated individuals who just need a champion to help them develop into the asset that the University needs to elevate their university events. 

I will always be so grateful to my team and the greater Yale community for allowing me an opportunity to grow and learn. I dread leaving all the wonderful people I have come to call my YC&E family and all the colleagues across campus who have helped us achieve our goals. 

BUT, I am only a phone call or email away! I wish all of you the best. 

Warmly, 

Kate Vieillard

Yale & Beyond

Event Planning Insights

Local St. Patrick’s Day events 

Looking for something to do this St. Patrick’s Day? Try your luck with these great options including a 5k run, various food and drink specials, and of course the beloved Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade - the largest, single-day spectator event in Connecticut and the 6th oldest parade in the United States. 

Explore ⪼(Link is external) (Link opens in new window)

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