Black Engineers Begin Nat'l Development Conf.

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- A series of Professional Development Conferences (PDCs) sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) will be held this month enabling personnel working in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields to gain marketable skills; expand their professional and social networks while at the same time reaching back to ensure the success of future generations.

Sharing the theme "Engineering the Gateway to Success," each PDC addresses areas that consistently affect the technology spectrum and consists of workshops, panel discussions and events specifically designed for the technical professional. In today's economic climate, technical professionals must remain current on advancements in their perspective fields, while acquiring broad knowledge in others.

As a result, the three-day conference agendas are packed with opportunities to learn about new topics, refresh technical skills, develop or review career advancement plans while networking with other professionals. Each PDC features more than 20 specialized workshops, Certified Training and Networking Suites. A career fair will also be held with representatives from corporate and Government entities on hand recruiting to fill technical positions.

Additionally, through its partnership with Kaplan AEC Education, NSBE will offer conference participants preparation for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design ( LEED ) Green Associates Certification at each of the six conferences. Interested participants will have take‐home materials and real‐time examples presented that are keys to LEED Certification exam success. This preparation course will show participants how to prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam; review other US Green Building Council ( USGBC ) courses, reference, resources and study guides; and offer insight on how to earn all tiers of the LEED Professional Credentials. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system that is intended to provide building owners and operators a specific guideline for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

NSBE Professional Development Conference: Dates and Locations
Nov. 5 – 7 Pittsburgh, PA (Radisson Green Tree Hotel)
Nov. 11 – 14 Rochester, NY (Hyatt Regency Hotel)
Nov. 12 – 14 Birmingham, AL (Sheraton Birmingham Hotel)
Nov. 12 – 14 San Mateo, CA (Marriott San Mateo)
Nov. 19 – 21 Indianapolis, IN (Indianapolis Marriott East)
Nov. 19 – 21 New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center)

Registration rates range from $80 ‐ $150 (per person) and run through the weekend of each conference. Act now to secure the NSBE conference rate. Non‐members are welcome but are encouraged to join the Society to secure discounted room and conference rates.

About the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
NSBE, founded in 1975, is the largest student‐managed organization with more than 31,000 college and pre-college students and roughly 6,000 technical professionals. NSBE is comprised of more than 270 chapters on college and university campuses, 75 Alumni Extension chapters nationwide and 75 Pre‐College chapters ‐ divided geographically into six regions nationally and internationally. NSBE's mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community."

About the Kaplan AEC Education
Kaplan AEC Education is a leader in architecture, engineering and contracting exam preparation. Kaplan AEC Education helps emerging professionals in the architecture, engineering and contracting communities prepare for professional licensing exams. Kaplan is the nation's leader in helping individuals prepare for standardized testing and has been for nearly 70 years. As a Kaplan company, trust Kaplan AEC Education as the best name in exam prep to provide you with everything for a successful career.