Acronym

Jeff,

I would gladly join your blogger ranks for annual. I am heading out there and helping lead an idea swap for trade associations. I am a little bit of a blogger, just not yet on association topics. I have a sports blog at www.gargbageminutes.com and write for winelog.net as well. I would love to write a post, but you didn't give me a topic. So for these purposes, I will choose my own.

As a current association professional, and one in membership, why isn't there an association for membership professionals? Marketing has several. Meetings has several. HR, Accounting, Finance all have associations. But the one function that doesn't have true academic discipline in college has no dedicated association to provide training, education and advancement of the profession. ASAE is trying to fill that void. But the question is, is it enough?

Sounds like fun! Though, I'm curious to know how "live" you expect the blogging to be (ie, during/after each session, or daily summary, etc)?

Although I've been leading the IGDA for nearly seven years, I still don't identify myself as an "association professional". This means that I often take/bring a very different perspective to things, and I'm not afraid to ruffle feathers and question the status quo.

Also, I've been blogging for over four years now, and always cover the events I participate in. Check out:
http://www.realitypanic.com/archives/category/travel-log/

I'll bite on this challenge!

I've been in the association space as both an association ad sales guy and now as as a supplier for close to 20 years, but this year, in Chicago, will be exhibiting at ASAE for the very first time.

I would love to post my impressions of the event and recount my interactions with attendees as the show occurs. Let me at it - I promise at least multiple daily postings!

I'm late to this party, I understand. I've been on holiday for over a week and I'm just getting to see this post for the first time. Hoping you need more voices and, if so, I'd be happy to contribute to the blog. I'm an industry partner member and I've written articles for Associations Now magazine as well as some other industry pubs. I specialize in technology, so I could offer some insights into the technology used at the event as well as the technology vendors and their offerings.

Let me know if you still need a blogger.

Chris Bonney

I'm even later to the party, but it's my birthday (never mind which one!), so maybe you'll be forgiving. I, too, would love to contribute to the blog. Like Jason above, I came to the association world from the profession of the professional association I began working for. In fact, I wrote an article for Executive Update (RIP) called Scientist to CEO about that very transition. Now I have transitioned again and am reaching out as an independent trying to help other associations with their needs. And these challenges of essentially starting a new business add another perspective to the mix.

What intrigues me most about the Annual Meeting Blog is its immediacy. Writing is usually our most reflective form of communication. But the turn around of the meeting blog brings the excitiment of fresh ideas while they are still fresh and hopefully continues the dynamic conversations that begin on the conference floor.

Thanks!