Acronym

I have been planning meetings and functions of sorts for four years now; however, I’ve only been in the association world for two years. This will be my first trip to ASAE’s Annual Meeting. I am excited to be attending and ready to observe the operation of such a large scale meeting…one that I don’t have to plan or operate logistically but actually get to enjoy as an attendee! I have heard that all the stops are pulled out at the annual meeting and that the surprises and “wow” factors keep an electrifying buzz in the air. I have heard of the clap lines at previous annual meetings who applauded passing attendees, the opportunity to take a picture on your way to a reception with a Rocky Balboa impersonator after you climbed the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or the chance to sing along with Martina McBride or Natalie Cole at closing receptions.

As a meeting planner, one of my responsibilities is helping to identify how we are going to create a memorable experience for our attendees and then making sure the attendees leave the meeting with a lasting impression that will make them want to come to future society meetings. Some of the biggest obstacles I have in creating an impressionable meeting experience are budget restrictions and identifying what will “wow” my attendees.

One of my missions of attending the annual conference is to observe the different ways ASAE will enhance their attendee experience and then try to incorporate these concepts into my own society meetings. I want to talk to you and see what you are doing to create the buzz at your meetings. And of course, I can’t wait to see what surprises ASAE and San Diego have in store for us this year!

Liz Roehl