About

Next Opportunity at Work logo

UC Berkeley’s annual Next Opportunity at Work (NOW) Conference, born in 2013, is designed to support staff in the University of California system with career and professional development through inspiring keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, networking connections with peers, coaching, and career planning resources. 

The full conference experience includes: 

  • Main Event / Conference Day - planned for the second Thursday of June.  Held in person in odd years (2023, 2025, 2027, etc.) and virtually on even years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.)

  • Coaching HQ (pre-and post-conference activities) held virtually during conference week. Coaching HQ includes webinars, group and 1:1 coaching opportunities.

In line with UC Berkeley’s Staff Participation in Campus-Sponsored Activities, Including Sponsored Staff Organizations, Campus-Sponsored Fellowship Programs policy, and PPSM-50, managers and supervisors are encouraged to approve requests from staff to attend the annual NOW Conference.

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Vision Statement

What is our ultimate goal? (Desired future state or long-term aim of the program.)

The UC Berkeley Next Opportunity at Work (NOW) Conference is the defacto conference for staff development and staff support in the UC system.

Mission/Purpose Statement

Why do we exist? (Core reason for the program's existence or main intention.)

The NOW Conference exists to provide current best practices and enhance knowledge and skill enrichment related to all aspects of career and professional development through inspiring keynotes, concurrent sessions, a range of coaching support, and community-building opportunities so that every UC staff member can own their career.

Core Values

What principles guide our actions? (Fundamental beliefs or standards that influence decision-making and behavior.)

Our UC Berkeley Principles of Community and UC Principles of Community guide our actions through these core operational principles:

  • Collaboration: We promote teamwork and community building.

  • Empowerment: We support the personal and professional growth of all attendees.

  • Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in all conference activities.

  • Inclusion: We embrace diversity and foster an inclusive and accessible environment for learning.

  • Innovation: We encourage innovative approaches to staff development.

Strategies

Our key objectives/goals (Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timebound.)

  • Goal 1: Provide an annual week-long conference during the second week of June for up to 1,500 attendees (1,000-1,200 UCB + 300-500 UC), ensuring high-quality content and engagement.

  • Goal 2: Alternate the main event between in-person and virtual formats annually (virtual in even years, in-person in odd years), and host pre- and post-conference offerings virtually each year to include remote staff and maximize participation.   

  • Goal 3: Maintain financial sustainability by staying within budget and generating at least $25K annually through ticket sales and sponsorships.

Archives

View past NOW Conference presentations, recordings and reports here