Ric Sweeney

Ric Sweeney

Professor - Educator

Professional Summary

Ric Sweeney is an Associate Professor - Educator in the Marketing Department at UC"s Carl H Lindner College of Business. Ric serves as Faculty Advisor for the UC American Marketing Association, CATALYST Marketing, Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary, and Project Heal, and is a Faculty Fellow for the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Ric is also the past-Chairman of the American Marketing Association"s Board of Directors and currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the AMA Foundation.

Education

MBA: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, 1996 (Marketing)

BA: Mount Saint Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, MD, 1982 (English)

Positions and Work Experience

06-2015 -07-2016 Director, Circle of Excellence Business Honors Program, University of Cincinnati - Lindner College of Business,

2014 -2015 Interim Director, Kolodzik Business Scholars, Interim Director, Kolodzik Business Scholars, University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business,

2011 -2014 Marketing Undergraduate Program Director and Assistant Professor - Educator, Director, Marketing Leadership Circle, 2012-2014 Marketing Undergraduate Program Director, 2011-2014 Assistant Professor - Educator, 2010-Present Field Service Instructor, 2005-2010 Director, MS-Marketing Program 2005-2008, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH,

2002 -2005 Director of Marketing, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH,

2000 -2002 Director of Marketing, PlanetFeedback/Intelliseek, Cincinnati, OH,

1998 -2000 Direct Marketing Account Manager, Northlich, Cincinnati, OH,

1995 -1998 Marketing Analyst, Hubert Company, Harrison, OH,

1993 -1994 Marketing Director & Training Director, Cinco Federal Credit Union, Cincinnati, OH,

1988 -1993 Bank Officer, Product Manager / Market Research Manager, 1991-1993 Technical Training Specialist, 1989-1991 Branch Specialist, 1988-1989, Boatmen’s Bank of Tennessee, Memphis, TN,

Research Support

Grant: #LWC - Mede Disp Investigators:Doehler, Steven; Sweeney, Richard; Vogel, Craig 12-10-2007 -06-30-2008 Live Well Collaborative, Inc. Hill-Rom Medication Dispensing System Role:Collaborator $81,750.00 Closed Level:Private Non-Profit

Publications

Other Publications

Kellaris, James; Dugan, Riley; Clarkson, Joshua; Sweeney, Ric (08-2017. ) Verb-Noun Reversal in Sales Rhetoric: How Verbing Weirds the Sell . American Marketing Association - Summer Educators Conference

Sweeney, Ric; Kellaris, James (02-2008. ) The Influence of Frames, Self-Generation and Numerosity of Justifications on Ethical Judgment . Society for Consumer Psychology Conference Proceedings, February 2008

Sweeney, Ric (2002. ) Economic slowdown is good time for reflection . Cincinnati Business Courier

Additional Publications

Presentations

Invited Presentations

Sweeney, Ric (2016. ) Effective Strategies for Teaching Introduction to Marketing .Fall Educators Conference, Marketing Management Association, Conference. . Level:National

Sweeney, Ric (01-13-2009. ) Dayton American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (05-2008. ) Bootcamp for Arts Marketers, Fine Arts Fund,

Sweeney, Ric (04-2008. ) Creative Brief Workshop .Creative Brief Workshop,

Sweeney, Ric (04-2007. ) AMA Leadership Summit, American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (04-2006. ) AMA Leadership Summit, American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (03-2006. ) AMA International Collegiate Conference, American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (12-2005. ) Columbus AMA Chapter – Market Segmentation,

Sweeney, Ric (05-2005. ) University of Cincinnati MBA – Retail Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (04-2005. ) AMA Leadership Summit, American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (03-2005. ) University of Cincinnati MBA – Services Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (05-2004. ) University of Cincinnati MBA – Services Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (04-2004. ) AMA Leadership Summit, American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (04-2004. ) University of Cincinnati MBA – Marketing Management,

Sweeney, Ric (03-2004. ) AMA International Collegiate Conference, American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (12-2003. ) Competitive Hospital Marketing Strategies Conference,

Sweeney, Ric (11-2003. ) Northern Kentucky University – Services Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (11-2003. ) University of Cincinnati MBA – Marketing Management,

Sweeney, Ric (10-2003. ) AMA/PDMA Roundtable, Cincinnati American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (10-2003. ) Cincinnati State – Hospitality Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (09-2003. ) Columbus American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (04-2003. ) AMA Leadership Summit, American Marketing Association,

Sweeney, Ric (03-2003. ) Cincinnati State – Hospitality Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (01-2003. ) University of Cincinnati MBA – Market Research,

Sweeney, Ric (10-2002. ) Cincinnati State – Hospitality Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (03-2002. ) University of Cincinnati MBA – Services Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (11-2001. ) National Arts Marketing Project, Fine Arts Fund,

Sweeney, Ric (03-2001. ) Xavier University – Entrepreneurial Marketing,

Sweeney, Ric (02-2001. ) Xavier University MBA – Entrepreneurial Marketing,

Honors and Awards

2019 Best Faculty Paper - AMA International Collegiate Conference

04-2019 Drew and Wendy Boyd Breakthrough in Innovative Teaching Excellence Level:College Type:Teaching

05-2018 Cincinnati Marketing Legend Named Cincinnati Marketing Legend by the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Marketing Association Level:Regional Type:Leadership

04-2018 Phi Rho Chi / Rho Lambda Professor of the Year Award Phi Rho Chi / Rho Lambda Professor of the Year Award Level:University Type:Teaching

10-2017 Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection for Excellence in Teaching Recognized by the Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection for Excellence in Teaching Level:Regional Type:Teaching

04-2017 Mrs A B Dolly Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching Level:University Type:Teaching

09-2016 Meritorius Teaching Award Level:National Type:Teaching

04-2016 Ric Sweeney Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award The American Marketing Association named their Chapter Volunteer Leader of the Year award in my name, in recognition of extraordinary service to the AMA. Level:International Type:Service, Professional

06-2015 Lifetime Membership Awarded Lifetime membership in American Marketing Association in recognition of service and leadership. Level:International Type:Service, Professional

08-2013 Volunteer Excellence Award In recognition of distinguished service to the Ohio Theta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Level:National Type:Service, University

12-2012 Ohio Magazine "Excellence in Education" Level:State Type:Teaching

05-2012 George S Barbour Award for Good Student/Faculty Relations Level:University Type:Service, University

11-2011 Inducted into Order of Omega Greek Honorary

05-2011 Harold J. Grilliot Award for Exemplary Service to Undergraduate Organizations May 2010

02-2011 Renaissance Brother, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

05-2010 Harold J. Grilliot Award for Exemplary Service to Undergraduate Organizations May 2010

05-2010 Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society Level:National Type:Leadership

04-2010 Faculty Fellow, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

04-2010 Order of Omega Professor of the Year April 2010

05-2009 Michael L Dean Excellence in Classroom Education and Learning Undergraduate Teaching Award Level:College Type:Teaching

04-2009 Inducted into Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity Level:College Type:Leadership

03-2009 Hugh G Wales Faculty Advisor of the Year Awarded annually by the American Marketing Association, the Hugh G Wales Faculty Advisor Award recognizes excellence in service to Collegiate AMA Chapters. Level:International Type:Service, Professional

03-2009 Winner of the Inaugural Outstanding Faculty Award Level:University Type:Teaching

05-2008 SAB Advisor of the Year Level:University Type:Service, University

02-2008 Inducted into ODK National Leadership Honor Society

05-2007 Harold J. Grilliot Award for Exemplary Service to Undergraduate Organizations

Student Advising

Back, Jeff Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 05-2018

Kappen, Joey; Helcher, Stacey; Harper, Jack; Scholz, Michelle; Coldiron, Hayley Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 12-2015

Day, Kenny; Neiheisel, Stephanie Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 04-2015

O'Brien, Brendan; Schneider, Gabi; Cook, Meredith; Schottelkotte, Grace Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 12-2014

Swali, Neehar Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 08-2013

Pierson, Dan Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 05-2013

Bedinghaus, Ryan Directed Individual/Independent Study 12-2012

Trame, Brandon Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 08-2012

Timson, Trevor Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 08-2012

Wiederhold, Charles Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 04-2012

Wichmann, Janelle Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:In-Process 09-2011

Dinovo, Phil Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:In-Process 09-2011

Quinn, Riley Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:In-Process 09-2011

Peck, Jacob Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 06-2011

Peck, Megan Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 06-2011

Roemer, Tyler Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 06-2011

Wichmann, Janelle Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 09-2010

Schneider, Josh Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 09-2010

Luccioni, Lisa Marie Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 09-2010

Mulcahy, Sean Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 09-2009

Hoffer, Chris Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 09-2007

Noble, Brian Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 09-2006

Phelps, Michelle Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 09-2006

Smith, Tom Directed Individual/Independent Study Status:Completed 09-2006

Service

Cincinnati Fine Arts Fund Community-Based Arts Centers Task Force Committee Member Type:Community Service Level:Public 06-2009 -06-2010

Cincinnati Fine Arts Fund Arts Resource Committee Program Organizer Type:Community Service Level:Public 01-2006 -06-2009

Project Heal (Project Heal works to raise money for individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders. ) Faculty Advisor Type:University Level:University 2017

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (Guide Fraternity Activities, Mentor students, Attend weekly meetings ) Faculty Advisor Type:University Level:University 08-2011

Barbour/Cohen Awards Committee Committee Member Type:University Level:University 04-2017 -06-2020

University Honors Program Committee (Attend Meetings, Provide Input and Advice ) Administrative Assignment, Other Type:University Level:University 2014 -2016

Barbour/Cohen Awards Committee Committee Member Type:University Level:University 2012 -2015

Cincinnati Dance Marathon Faculty Mentor Type:University Level:University 2009 -2015

UC Racquetball Club Faculty Advisor Type:University Level:University 2011 -2013

UC Student Government Cabinet and Senate Faculty Advisor Type:University Level:University 2009 -2013

University Branding Review Committee Committee Member Type:University Level:University 03-2007 -2012

UC Commuter Association Faculty Advisor Type:University Level:University 05-2010 -2011

UC Student Government - Ways & Means Committee Faculty Advisor Type:University Level:University 2008 -2009

CATALYST Academic Intercollegiate Competitive Group Faculty Advisor Type:Departmental Service Level:Department 05-2009

UC American Marketing Association Chapter (Advise, Mentor, Attend Executive Meetings, Attend Student Organization Events. ) Faculty Advisor Type:Departmental Service Level:Department 04-2006

Marketing Leadership Circle Faculty Advisor Type:Departmental Service Level:Department 2012 -2014

Marketing Leadership Circle Committee Member Type:Departmental Service Level:Department 2006 -2009

MS-Marketing Program Committee Committee Member Type:Departmental Service Level:Department 06-2007 -09-2009

Marketing Department Newsletter Committee Chair Type:Departmental Service Level:Department 01-2006 -06-2008

Honors Curriculum Committee Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 01-2018

2nd Year Experience Committee Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 07-2018 -2019

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusions Task Force Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 2018 -2019

Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary Faculty Advisor Type:University/College Service Level:University 2016 -2018

Chi Omega Epsilon (Advise, Mentor, Attend Executive Meetings, Attend Student Organization Meetings ) Faculty Advisor Type:University/College Service Level:University 2015 -2016

Undergraduate Programs Team (Lead Meetings, Coordinate Activities ) Committee Chair Type:University/College Service Level:University 2014 -2016

Undergraduate Deans Advisory Council (Advise the Undergraduate Associate Dean on items relevant to the Lindner College of Business ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 01-2013 -2015

Undergraduate Programs Team - Marketing Undergraduate Program Director (The Undergraduate Programs Team serves to develop and approve revisions and additions to undergraduate curriculum and any related programs. ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 09-2009 -2014

BANG: Bearcat Advertising & Networking Group Faculty Advisor Type:University/College Service Level:University 2007 -2012

OSU/Wall Street Journal Biz Quiz Faculty Mentor Type:University/College Service Level:University 08-2012 -11-2012

Nationwide/Fisher Wall Street Journal Biz Quiz Competition Faculty Mentor Type:University/College Service Level:University 09-2011 -11-2011

Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society Faculty Advisor Type:University/College Service Level:University 05-2010 -11-2011

Suspension/Dismissal Appeals Committee (The Suspension/Dismissal Appeals Committee reviews and determines final outcomes for any appeals related to student suspension/dismissal. ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 06-2009 -09-2010

PriceWaterhouseCoopers xTax Competition (Faculty Mentor for the National-finalist team from the University of Cincinnati ) Faculty Mentor Type:University/College Service Level:University 10-2009 -01-2010

MBA Capstone - Second Reader Type:University/College Service Level:University 2008 -2008

MBA Capstone - Second Reader Type:University/College Service Level:University 2007 -2007

Strategic Marketing Planning Committee Committee Chair Type:University/College Service Level:University 05-2006 -08-2007

American Marketing Association Cincinnati Chapter (President 2001-2002 Member, Board of Directors 1997-2003 Member, Past-Presidents Council 2002-Present ) Member Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 1996

American Marketing Association Foundation Board of Advisors of a Company Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 2019 -2022

American Marketing Association - Nominating Committee Committee Chair Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 2016 -2018

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (Chair, Branding Task Force 2011-2013 Member, CEO Advisory Committee 2013-2015 Chair, PR Task Force, 2015-2016 ) Committee Chair Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 2011 -2016

American Marketing Association Board of Directors (VP Finance/Secretary 2012-2013 Chair-Elect 2013-2014 Chair 2014-2015 Past-Chair 2015-2016 ) Board of Directors of a Company Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 07-2012 -06-2016

American Marketing Association Finance and Audit Committee (VP Finance/Secretary 2012-2013 ) Member Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 07-2010 -06-2016

American Marketing Association Board of Directors Board of Directors of a Company Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 07-2008 -06-2011

American Marketing Association Foundation Board of Trustees Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 07-2007 -09-2009

American Marketing Association Finance and Audit Committee Committee Member Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 07-2006 -06-2008

American Marketing Association Professional Chapters Council President/Elect/Past Type:Prof. Org. Level:Service to Professional Associations 07-2002 -06-2007

Professional Affiliation

2018: Educational Outreach Chair-Emeritus Advisor to the CEO Guest presenter and speaker at AMA Leadership Summit, Marketing Week Live, Annual Conference. American Marketing Association, Chicago, IL

2018: Speaker Facilitator for Ruck Leadership Institute, 2014-present Facilitator for Carlson Leadership Academy, 2014-present Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Richmond, VA

1996: AMA Board of Directors, AMA Audit and Finance Committee, AMAFoundation Board of Trustees American Marketing Association, International

09-2016 -09-2017: Marketing Management Association, National

2004 -2013: Member, Arts Services Committee ArtsWave (fna Fine Arts Fund),

03-2010 -03-2012: Association of Image Consultants International, International

1996 -1998: Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals,

Courses Taught

ADVERTISING SOCIETY

INTRO MKTG

INTRO MKTG

INTRO MKTG

INTRO MKTG

TEACHING ASSISTANT

ADVERTISING SOCIETY

ESS OF BUSINESS II

ESS OF BUSINESS II

IND STUDY IN MKTG

INTRO MKTG

INTRO MKTG

SPECIAL TOPICS MKTG

TEACHING ASSISTANT

ADVERTISINGSOCIETY

ESS OF BUSINESS I

ESSOFBUSINESSI

ESSOFBUSINESSI

ESSOFBUSINESSI

INTROMKTG

INTROMKTG

SERVICESMARKETING

ADVERTISING SOCIETY

ESS OF BUSINESS II

ESS OF BUSINESS II

ESS OF BUSINESS II

ESS OF BUSINESS II

ESS OF BUSINESS II

INTRO MKTG

INTRO MKTG

ADVERTISING SOCIETY

ESS OF BUSINESS I

ESS OF BUSINESS I

INTRO MKTG

INTRO MKTG

Advertising and Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl

Essentials of Business II

Essentials of Business II

Essentials of Business II

Essentials of Business II

Essentials of Business II

Introduction to Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Advertising and Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl

Essentials of Business I

Essentials of Business I

Essentials of Business I

Essentials of Business I

Essentials of Business I

Introduction to Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Advertising and Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl

Independent Study in Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

ADVERTISING SOCIETY

ESS OF BUSINESS I

ESS OF BUSINESS I

IND STUDY IN MKTG

INTRO MKTG

KBSTRANSITION

ADVERTISING SOCIETY

INTRO MKTG

INTRO MKTG

INTRO MKTG

Advertising and Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl

AMA Case Study

Introduction to Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Personal Branding

Independent Study in Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Advertising & Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl

e-Marketing

Independent Study in Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Teaching Assistant

Advertising & Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl

e-Marketing

Independent Study in Marketing

Introduction to Marketing

Marketing Field Project

Independent Study

Advertising & Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl

Independent Study

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Special Topics in Marketing

Advertising & Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl

Field Project in Marketing

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Special Topics in Marketing

E-Marketing

Principles of Marketing Management

Principles of Marketing Management

Field Project in Mktg

Principles of Marketing Management

Advertising

Principles of Marketing Management

Services Marketing

Special Topics in Marketing

Principles of Marketing Management

Services Marketing

Principles of Marketing Mgmt

Principles of Marketing Mgmt

Services Marketing

Principles of Marketing Mgmt

Principles of Marketing Mgmt

Principles of Marketing Mgmt HONORS

Advertising

Marketing Mgmt

Advertising

Marketing Mgmt

Marketing Mgmt- Honors

Independent Study

Marketing Mgmt

Advertising Mgmt

Independent Study

Individual Study

Advertising Mgmt

Marketing Mgmt

Advertising & Promo

Intro to Marketing

Intro to Marketing - Honors

Teaching Assistant

Advertising Mgmt

Intro to Marketing

Advertising & Promo

Faculty Development Activities

-10-2018 AMA Marketing Week Live Las Vegas, NV Type:Conference Attendance

-07-2018 AMA Digital Marketing Seminar American Marketing Association Chicago, IL Type:Conference Attendance

-09-2017 AMA Annual Marketing Conference American Markting Association Las Vegas, NV Type:Conference Attendance

06-2017 -06-2017 Best Teacher"s Institute West Orange, NJ Type:Conference Attendance

-09-2016 Annual Marketing Conference American Marketing Association Type:Conference Attendance

-09-2016 Fall Educators" Conference Marketing Management Association Type:Conference Attendance

-06-2016 2016 Retailing Symposium National Retail Federation

-09-2015 Annual Marketing Conference American Marketing Association Type:Conference Attendance

-02-2014 Winter Educators Conference American Marketing Association Orlando, FL, USA Type:Conference Attendance

-09-2013 AMA Annual Marketing Conference American Marketing Association New Orleans, LA, USA Type:Conference Attendance

-08-2013 Summer Educators Conference American Marketing Association Boston, MA, USA Type:Conference Attendance

-05-2011 Association of Image Consultants International Association of Image Consultants International Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Type:Conference Attendance

-05-2010 Association of Image Consultants International Association of Image Consultants International Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Type:Conference Attendance

01-26-2009 -01-28-2009 MPlanet 2009 MPlanet is the premier conference for marketing professionals, American Marketing Association Orlando, Florida Type:Conference Attendance

11-14-2008 -11-14-2008 CET&L Peer Consultancy Program The CET&L, in coordination with the Academy of Fellows of Teaching and Learning (AFTL), has just launched the Faculty Peer Consultancy Program in order to support faculty who wish to improve their teaching skills. I am a Peer Consultant in this program., Academy of Fellows of Teaching and Learning Type:Faculty Fellowship

08-19-2008 -08-19-2008 Learning Portfolios This day-long seminar discusses the development and implementation of learning portfolios in the classroom., UC CET&L Type:Seminar

08-12-2008 -08-12-2008 PRS - Personal Response System This course provides an overview of how to use the Personal Response System in courses., UC CET&L Type:Workshop

08-11-2008 -08-11-2008 Connect with Blogs and Wikis Provides an overview for using Blogs and Wikis as a part of classroom pedagogy., UC CET&L Type:Workshop

07-22-2008 -07-22-2008 Respondus This course provides a basic overview of the Respondus system, UC CET&L Type:Workshop

07-18-2008 -07-18-2008 Transition to Blackboard 8 This course provides an overview of the new features and benefits in Blackboard 8, UC CET&L Type:Workshop

07-09-2008 -07-09-2008 Intermediate Blackboard Tools This course provides an update of new features in Blackboard"s latest version, for purposes of creating efficient access to course content, grading, and other features., UC CET&L Type:Workshop

2007 -2007 Course Digitization This course provides an overview of recording and digitizing course lectures for purposes of podcasting and streaming., UC CET&L Type:Workshop

2007 -2007 Podcasting Basics This course provides an overview of the basics of creating a podcast for use in courses., UC CET&L Type:Workshop

12-05-2006 -12-07-2006 Mplanet 2006 MPlanet is the Premier conference for marketing professionals., American Marketing Association Orlando, Florida Type:Conference Attendance