Washington, DC – When delegates of ASAE – The Center for Association Leadership Annual Meeting and Exhibition converge on Detroit August 8-11, they’ll be primed for a week of education, networking and first-rate social events with 5,000 or so of their peers. They’ll also have the opportunity to meet roughly 300 exhibitors representing convention and visitor bureaus, technology companies, trade show service providers and event management companies.
This is an event hat is jam-packed with worthwhile information for top-level association executives (59% of attendees are at the director level of their organizations) as well as those newer to the industry in its 20 education sessions. And the show floor almost demands you plot your route — and appointment times — in advance.
This year’s show floor will feature many well-known names in the trade show industry, including CVBs such as the Las Vegas Convention & Visitor Authority, Choose Chicago, Visit Orlando, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. A quick browse through the current exhibitor list shows Convention Data Services, along with show service providers like Hargrove and Global Exhibition Services (GES). IMEX America, one of the largest meeting industry events, will also have a presence at ASAE, along with CVent and other technology providers.
The Business Connection Lounge is likely to be the prime meeting place for attendees and exhibitors who want some one-on-one face time or a private product demonstration. This lounge is reserved for attendees who have appointments with suppliers made through the Attendee Service Center after registration is complete, as well as those escorted by an exhibitor.
Global growth is one hot topic for 2015, with several educational sessions featuring global business topics that may interest association executives, including:
A pre-conference workshop entitled “Achieving Global Growth” that will look at trends and best practices for global development based on a study by the same name. It will feature case studies about strategies that worked presented by executives who have ‘been-there-done-that.’ Presenters: Mark Athitakis, Associations Now Magazine; and Gregory Fine of the Turnaround Management Association. This one requires separate registration.
“Going Global: a Case Study of Operations in China” featuring a panel of experts on best practices for doing business in China.
“Making International Expansion Work for You,” presented by Melissa A. Schultea of the Society of Petroleum Engineers; Carlos Fulcher of the International Association of Business Communicators; and Dani Kolb of Kellen Europe.
“Turning Desert Opportunities into Growth,” focused on the Middle East’s Gulf Cooperation Council of States, a fast-growing sector in the region and world. It features a case study about a U.S. association that successfully set up business in the region and tripled its return on investment. Presenters are Ajay Bhojwani of MCI Middle East; David Macadam, CEO, Middle East Council of Shopping Centres; and Waleed Refaay, managing director of the Society of Petroleum Engineers-Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
“Smart New Market Evaluation and Development” will offer a cost-effective and strategic approach to market evaluation and international expansion planning. Presenters are Steven Weiss and Jim Gurowka, both of the International Development for the Institute of Management Accountants.
The opening reception will be held in the world famous Henry Ford Museum and will later feature local bands and legendary Motown acts such as The Contours, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards, and The Four Tops.
The ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition is one of the Trade Show Executive Fastest 50 shows for 2014, ranking No. 45 in the attendance metric with a 10% growth in 2014. With an intriguing lineup of sessions and a vibrant exhibit floor, it may well make a bid for continued inclusion in the Fastest 50 rankings for 2015.
For details about exhibiting or to register for this event, visit www.asaeannualmeeting.org
