Conference Season in the Nanny Industry | A Glimpse Inside

It’s “conference season” and our team has been unusually busy! We know, we know- you had no idea there was a conference season for this industry. Well, we're here to educate you on what's going on- and YES, there is such a thing. Please allow us to catch you up on the last few weeks and share some exciting news!‍

First of all, this was our team’s first time attending APNA (the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies). Big thanks to HomeWork Solutions for one of our tickets (extra special, since we win very few raffles)! We begged APNA for an extra ticket (waitlisted- then we got one!), packed up and headed out to Santa Barbara to join bunches of agency owners from around the globe as we sharpened each other and our best practices. What an amazing journey it was. Info on APNA for those interested!

‍One of the valuable things we learned at APNA: your vibe attracts your tribe. Upon arrival it was quite clear that many agency owners have known each other for years. Our first thought: why on earth haven't we been coming to this for years?! Of course, as with any large group of humans, some were welcoming, some were guarded, and some were only there to learn. As two painfully extroverted human beings (the golden retrievers of the bunch), we were there to shake hands and get to know as many people as we could- and we made some dear friends from California, Nashville, Seattle, Colorado, Arizona, and New York, and Texas. We met people from all sides of the industry. Some of our favorite introductions were to nannies and agency owners who closely affiliate with INA- and we are delighted that we get to see them again in Montreal this upcoming year.

‍Our best advice to any agency considering this event? GO. It's so nice to be around other humans who get it and are willing to share and problem solve. You'll feel refreshed afterward, and you'll make amazing friends and connections if you go into this with the right attitude. Don't be afraid to walk up to larger agencies and ask questions! So many amazing people are there to help and learn from each other.

‍The speaker list was thoughtfully curated- thanks to a super committed leadership board. We were very impressed by the lovely souls that poured their proprietary practices out to other agencies- strengthening the collective- and allowing all ships to rise. The keynote, Christa Nader, gave a beautiful talk on how we can all better hold ourselves to higher standards- which creates a unified allegiance in the industry- and this industry is starved for that true alliance.

‍We feel really honored to be a part of this industry- representing nannies and families in their quest for a wonderful working environment (that quickly becomes personal due to the nature of the work they are doing). Through sharpening our back-end technical, human, and community approaches, and refining and updating our existing systems - My Girl Friday is hoping to bring a whole new level of support to the Triangle in 2020!

From APNA, we headed east to Baltimore, where our CEO, Austin Macfarlane, spoke for her second year running at Nannypalooza. We packed our car full of Tribucha Kombucha (thanks, guys!) and headed to see all the amazing souls we’ve grown to love so dearly. Sue Downey, the heart of all things caregiving in the world, greeted us with open arms- and we made tons of dear friends as we settled in for a weekend of love and learning.

‍Let me pause here and say: we cannot recommend this event enough. We’ll be having a fun giveaway in a few months- so keep an eye out. A ton of North Carolina nannies were at the event- which was awesome to see! However, we do feel more of our local nannies should be involved in gathering and learning from this community of education-focused human beings! Some of the workshops included:

• Understanding Emotions Leads to Understanding Yourself- Nicole Pierre
• Self -Care for Smart Folks: Unlearning the Past to Bring Healing to the Future- Christa Nader
• Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Workplace- Barbara Kline
• Connecting with Conscious Parents and Agencies- Austin Macfarlane (Yours truly!)
• Helping Siblings Get Along- Sheena Hill
• Working With School Aged Kids- Sue Downey
• Managing Triggers: Respond Instead of React- Sheena Hill

‍

A few books we purchased while at the conference (and HIGHLY recommend):

• On Monday When It Rained Cherryl Kachenmeister
• The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper
• What Should Danny Do? by Ganit and Adir Levy
• Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley and Anne Miranda

Our biggest takeaway from the event this year: we cannot believe how many nannies pay their own way to this event. THAT IS COMMITMENT. This is an event centered around the most current and progressive parenting techniques- giving nannies the tools they need so they can better communicate, respond, and address their charges, their employers, and their employer’s households. If your nanny is considering going to this event- please know that it’s not terribly expensive and your contribution (no matter the size) is so appreciated! Registration is $175 (early bird) and $245 (regular pricing) and covers a reception, 1 lunch, 2 breakfasts, and a TON of content and exposure to leading minds in the industry. The hotel rooms are $115 per night (Sue negotiates a mean deal)! What a steal! Sponsoring your nanny’s journey to Nannypalooza is a HUGE investment in your caregiver and your own household and kiddos!

"When negotiating with my [current] employers during the hiring process, I told them about the October dates for Nannypalooza. They agreed to send me for continuing education. They attend conferences for their professions- so it makes sense that professional nannies do the same." -Nicole Balak (one of NC's very own amazing professional caregivers)

‍If you’re a nanny paying your own way to the event, that’s ok too- and we see you. You’ll have access to your peers, a wealth of knowledge on relevant issues you’re facing in your day to day, and you’ll meet tons of agencies and educators from all over the world. This dedication to your career doesn't go unnoticed. Make sure to add the certificate of completion to your resume and portfolio.

‍Our best advice to those considering this event: go in with the right attitude. Mingle, learn, ask questions, and enjoy each other. Often times those we think are being exclusive are actually just shy- so walk right up and introduce yourself! Be positive and embody love and acceptance for all who surround you. That vibe elevates the entire event and is exactly the heart and soul of this community.

‍Want to attend next year? GREAT! 2020 is a special year for Nannypalooza. The land event will be held the weekend of October 6-8. Pricing will be similar to this year. Come see us at the event! Nannypalooza is also hosting a sea event called “NannyCruiseAPalooza” and will have 10 hours of focused instruction for its attendees. The instruction at this event will center around child development and personal development and leadership. We’re including a link for those who are interested in this event! Make sure to sign up quickly, as spots are filling fast!

‍NannyCruiseAPalooza Details

‍The next fun events in the industry (we’ll be attending) are:

• The Nanny Ball in Brooklyn, NY (The Nanny Ball Info)
• INA Conference 2020 in Montreal, Canada (INA 2020 Conference Info)

‍

We'll also be hosting interNational Nanny Training Day for the Triangle in April. This year we'll be very focused on making this experience as inexpensive as we possibly can. In the past we've charged around $60/per person, but this year will be far less expensive. We'll be having My Girl Friday + Tribucha sponsor the catering! We considered making it free, but research shows that fewer people follow through with their RSVPs for free events- so we'll be charging a small fee. Plus, there will be a lot of value packed into this event! We think it's worth a small investment + we'll be giving away some free tickets as well!Curious how we came to this decision?

Info on charging vs. having free events!

‍Last but not least, while Austin and Adrian were at these two events, Leanne Wells and Katherine Perretta attended the Chapel Hill & Carrboro Mother's Club Preschool Fair! We love helping support our local Mamas and Dads and wanted you to know there is another option (if none of the preschools seem like a perfect fit)! The world of having a nanny is a wonderful one- and we're here to talk you through all the ins and outs!

‍

Also- just so everyone knows we keep it real- this wasn't an easy month for us. All of these events fell in the same week and the travel was brutal. We came in on a redeye after APNA and had only a few days to prep, do laundry (we know you see Austin wore the same sweater twice) and head to Baltimore... all with a massive amount of cold beverage in tow. The lows of the season would be the travel schedules being so close together, redeye flights are no fun in general (plus losing 3 hours on the way back from CA), and we had a little hotel snaffoo when arriving to Baltimore. Another (painfully honest, sobering moment)- we ordered room service while at APNA and the bill (for 2 eggs, 2 avocados, coffee, 2 servings of bacon, 2 servings of sausage, and some cream) was $160. GASP. Adrian also didn't know that they include gratuity, and he tipped the lovely human who dropped it off. Yeah, you live and learn. Though the rates for the hotel rooms were fairly reasonable, they will get you with the room service. Ha. This was all very much worth it though, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat!

‍Our parting words to you, sweet friends: Here at My Girl Friday we are willing to admit we don't have all the answers- but we sure know how to fill a room (or find a room) full of smart, dedicated human beings. It's in those rooms that we put our listening ears on- and we aren't afraid to ask hard questions and tackle difficult conversations. We never stop learning. My grandmother used to say: When you're green you're growing. When you're ripe- you're rotting. Stay green!

Cheers to those of us who gather to learn from each other! Thanks for a great season + we'll see you again next year (with more kombucha),

The My Girl Friday Team