Typically, we have one to five students attend a conference to present findings, network and learn.

The Missouri Association of Planning Students (MAPS) attended the Annual Planning Conference April 21-24 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

More than 10 students attended:

• Kelsey Carson
• Bailey DeJonge
• Ryan Helle
• Brad Kelley
• Simon Nogin
• Adam Olinger
• Amber Ryan
• Erica Scott
• Maliyah Shelton
• Wesley Welch
• Brad Williams

As students in the planning program, they know how vital conferences are to finding jobs after graduation. They can network and stay up to date on issues in the planning field.

Conferences also give students a good reminder why they chose this profession.

“The best part about the annual conference is the ability to pick which talks interest you,” Scott said.

Scott, newly elected president of MAPS, said the conference was fun and informative.

“We had a fabulous keynote speaker named Derreck Kayongo who told his life story in an engaging, inspiring way and encouraged everyone to make a difference,” Scott said.