What Is Next?

There is light at the end of the tunnel. But the pandemic will certainly leave its mark and change how we do things in the future. The slow return to some normalcy is coming, and in some cases, is already here. Hopefully, all of you have seen friends and loved ones you have been missing for more than a year, are thinking ahead about the future, planning trips and parties, and successfully untangling the mess of business and law changes that resulted from COVID-19.

I, for one, cannot wait to step into a live theater and immerse myself into the escape of a live show. I also cannot wait to meet our members live and in person at future events and meetings. I have certainly embraced the technological connection, but I still look forward to the personal connections and organic conversations that happen when we gather as an organization.

Before, during, and (of course) after the pandemic, NAEA has and will continue its mission to serve enrolled agents (EAs) while advocating for the profession. But we cannot ignore the fact that things are different now; the organization and the profession will continue to recover from last year’s events while we also continue to evolve into and for the future. NAEA as an organization has a lot of work to do to continue to serve and grow the EA community, but with such growth also comes the excitement of new opportunities to meet your needs. This is where we depend on members like you.

This summer you will receive a call to contribute to a research study on member needs and wants. Because this will serve as the basis for our next strategic plan, it is my hope that you will take a few moments to participate because your feedback and insight are invaluable. Tell us: How can NAEA help you build your practice? Expand your services? How do you want to interact with your professional association? How do you want to interact with your peers? How will you want to learn and
stay up to date on news and information? What kinds of NAEA programs and services do you value? What legacy programs have reached a sunsetting stage?

There are so many things we need to know as we come out of the fog of this pandemic so that instead of reacting and adapting, we return to planning and preparing, and, in turn, help you plan and prepare for your future. To help you build your business, better serve your clients, and connect with the EA community. And, if we are successful in that, we will continue to grow and strengthen the association so that we are all better prepared to face what is next.