August 29-30. Dallas, TX. “Big D” said “Howdy” in its best way possible. Manageable temperatures in the high 80’s (instead of the 100’s) and friendly faces greeted the attendees from across the country.  Auxiliarists from Alaska to Hawaii to Puerto Rico have come to conduct the business of the Auxiliary, share some fellowship and renew old acquaintances.  This is my seventh conference and it’s always an exciting meeting,” said Auxiliarist Cathy Welty from District 7. 

This year’s conference has an added bit of excitement since National elections will take place at Friday’s General Assembly.

A conference the size and scope of NACON requires the time and energy of many dedicated Auxiliarists.  The registration staff, headed by Ann and Fred Beecher, started their work months ago with electronic and postal registrations.  “Electronic registration has simplified the process and the use of credit card payment has eliminated some of the hassle of days gone by,” said Ann.

The Conference Coordination and office staff, headed by Phil and Tish Helmer have also been at work for the past few months.  “It seems like we just go from one conference to the next with a few weeks in between just for ourselves,” said Tish, “We really enjoy the challenge and the people,” she said.  This year the task has become a family affair with the addition of daughters Karen and Jean to the staff.

Not often seen, since they are on the road driving the pick up vans, are the driving staff headed by John Combs.  This group of men and women diligently follow the airline schedules making sure that dignitaries are met at the airport with a smile and a ride.
“We know how to juggle schedules, the hard part is being alert for airline changes,” said John.

The real behind the scenes staff is the audio/visual staff headed by Bob and Dee Hendrickson.  They are busy, day and night, stringing wires, setting up screens and projectors and making sure that that the wants and wishes of the presenters are fully met.  “We aren’t usually heard from unless there is a gremlin or glitch, then we become very popular,” said Bob.

Lastly, the local Auxiliarists, the “Merchants of D8-CR” were setting up their District Store displays.  The staff of Jerry and Judy Hair and Billy Lidell was ready to relieve some pocket books of extra cash with the sale of Auxiliary goodies.