For 37 years, the American Payroll Association has taken on the challenge of hosting the biggest payroll event in the country – a week-long endeavor with numerous opportunities for networking, professional development, and education. If you’ve never attended, it can be hard to grasp the incredible benefits that the Annual Congress offers. Never fear, however, Valery Noakes, CPP, a long-time Congress attendee and the President of the Alamo Chapter of the APA, has offered to share her story with you!
Valery Noakes, CPP, displays the 3rd Place COTY Award with other members of the Alamo Chapter.
How has attending the Annual Congress benefited your career and professional development?
I have been very lucky to attend the majority of Annual Congresses since 1994, either company-paid or on my own dime. As a result, I’ve gained confidence in my skills and knowledge and widened my peer network. I fell into payroll as a career choice, but the support and education I’ve received from APA and Congress have benefited my career and professional development immensely.
Is the Annual Congress more ideal for a developing payroll professional or an experienced payroll professional?
Both - wherever you are on your payroll journey, you will find new information, tools, and technology to aid your personal development. The networking with your payroll peers is priceless.
How can someone interested in attending persuade their employer to invest in a Congress registration?
Use the APA letter to highlight the reasons to attend Congress. More importantly, highlight what you learned when you return to the office – then implement it.
Describe your favorite memory from the Annual Congress.
My favorite memory was from the 2018 Congress, when my friends and former CPP Committee members won both Payroll Woman and Payroll Man of the Year.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Invest in yourself even if your company doesn’t. The return on the investment will be evident in your increased skills/knowledge and will support ongoing career development.
It’s not too late to register for the 37th Annual Congress, held May 14-18, 2019 in Long Beach, CA. If you are able to attend, be sure to join Valery and other chapter leaders at the Chapter Exchange on May 15!
