PPIAC Annual Conference October 17-20
- August 27, 2012
- by Kimberly Faber
- Associations
October 17-20, 2012
Antlers Hilton Hotel
Colorado Springs, CO
On October 17th, private investigators in Colorado will head to Colorado Springs for the 2012 Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC) Conference. The three day event includes speakers and vendor opportunities. For more information about the conference, PInow.com spoke with Tan Smyth, Vice President of Training.
Why is it important for investigators to attend this event?
Smyth: Continuing education is very important for investigators, no matter their field of specialty. The PPIAC is pleased to present a conference with a wide variety of speakers to appeal to many fields of investigation. We also will have many vendors, sponsors and a banquet with a keynote speaker on Friday.
New this year is a pre-conference event called PICC (Private Investigator Core Curriculum) as an introduction to our conference, our association, and our profession. PICC is a free event, welcoming investigators to come and see what we’re all about. All that is required is an RSVP, as room is limited. Email [email protected] for your confirmation.
Our annual conference provides accreditation for those with continuing education requirements; it provides exposure to new technologies, new ideas and important networking opportunities.
What is PPIAC hoping to accomplish with this conference?
Smyth: The PPIAC hopes to accomplish many things with every conference: we want to educate, we want to introduce members (and prospective members) to new ways of conducting business, new technologies, databases, and legislations that may affect investigators. Networking is also encouraged; a subcontractor or a new investigator may receive valuable referrals from people they meet at our conferences.
What are some of the major issues private investigators in your area are facing? How will the conference address those issues?
Smyth: Colorado investigators are facing several issues this year. July 1st saw the Colorado Private Investigator Voluntary License put into place, and we’re trying to get the word out that if PIs want to be licensed (whether in Colorado or not) they are encouraged to apply. Legislative concerns such as data and record accessibility are also familiar topics, as are ways of improving business. The issues will be discussed at the conference.
What training will take place in the conference?
Smyth: The training at the conference covers a wide variety of subjects: criminal defense, ethics, surveillance and safety, FCRA, accident investigations, skip-tracing basics, database usage and marketing your business are some of the topics.
Can you give us an overview of the speakers at this event?
Smyth: We are fortunate to have nationally-renowned speakers at our conference. H. Ellis Armistead is speaking on the subject of Interviewing In-Custody Witnesses; Eugene Ferraro will be presenting the subjects of FCRA compliance as well as Self-Publishing and marketing your business; Dean Beers is speaking on the subjects of Skip-Tracing basics as well as Death and Injury Causation in Autopsies. Our speaker bios and conference schedule is available on the PPIAC webpage. We have such a wide variety of topics and speakers; there’s something for everyone.
What do you think sets this conference apart from others?
Smyth: The combination of speakers, subjects, attendees, vendors and venue makes this one conference not to be missed. Every year we have a banquet and keynote speaker of note; this year, we are privileged to have Patricia Calhoun, the editor of Westword magazine. This promises to be a fantastic and fascinating event.
What types of products and companies will be present at this event?
Smyth: We’re very fortunate to have top-notch vendors! Everything from database vendors, insurance representatives, PI bulletins and investigator gadgets will be represented at our 2012 conference. We have new vendors and sponsors signing up between now and the dates of the conference, so be sure to check our webpage for information.
What are you most excited for with this conference?
Smyth: It’s hard to narrow the focus to ‘the most exciting’ part. We’re breaking ground in a lot of new areas: PICC is new this year, the topic of licensing is new, we’ve got speakers we have never had before and fantastic topics, all in a very elite hotel venue. Our vendors and sponsors enhance our conference to the next level of professionalism, and help to make our jobs that much easier. If I had to choose, I would have to say I am most excited for the networking opportunities with our attendees. I’ve met many wonderful people through our conferences. There’s nothing quite as beneficial to future relationships as a face-to-face meeting.
What recreational events and activities will there be at this conference?
Smyth: We’ve got a cocktail mixer, banquet and keynote speaker planned for Friday evening. Despite our prolific topics and speakers, our conference days will end with plenty of time for people to explore the beautiful Colorado Springs area: Garden of the Gods, Pike’s Peak, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City are just a short drive away. Rates for the conference are about to change, so sign up before the 1st of September to secure your Early Bird discount!
Join PInow
Looking to grow your investigation firm? Get in front of potential customers by joining PInow’s trusted network of local, pre-screened private investigators.