XtremeASAE Blog

I have been trying to think of how to put together the words to desecribe what I felt about this meeting and after about three days rest, I think I have it.

That was without a doubt the best meeting I have ever attended in my 6 years as an association professional.

It was so high touch -- from the variety of gifts left in the rooms each day, to the check-in experience from ASAE and the hotel staff, to the signage, to the outstanding opeing general sessions each day, the variety and quality of education, the well placed breaks, the after hours events, the great programs for spouses, to the variety of people I got to meet, to the trade show. It was unreal!!

I am a soon to be first-time association executive and I was pleased with the great education for the small association exec. There seemed to be a good mix of education for those who are new to those that are seasoned. There were a few days when I had to choose what to attend -- a sign of a great event -- and it helps with CD sales. I got one!!

Let's all try to take what we learned from the meetings and take them back to our own associations. We not be able to pull off exactly what ASAE does, but we can definitely learn from them!!

See you in Boston if not before!!

I agree with all of the comments. In attending this meeting, it was Xtremely difficult not to compare it to past ASAE meetings. This year, everyone involved hit as very great "Grand Slam!"

The sessions I attended were truly lead by some of the best presenters ever. As far as the staff of ASAE and the Center, they should be congratulated for an outstanding job. Each and every detail from start to stop were handled with professionalism and from all appearances, everything was targeted at delivering the very best service to all of the attendees. My hats are off to John and Susan and their entire staff.

Finally, after years of grousing, ASAE recognized an association's annual meeting is similar to a corporate sales meeting - it is all about getting the audience excited. It is a show. They did it by producing general sessions with great video, delightful knock-off country hits so appropriate for the non-profit world and speakers who challenged our thinking and how we look at our organizations. Those sessions coupled with all of the hospitality made ASAE / Nashville a very tough annual meeting to top. I, for one, cannot wait for Boston.

I am so sad I missed it - and how great to have read the observations and excitement! I think the Center/ASAE will build on this. The last time ASAE was in Boston the general sessions were done "theatre in the round" which knocked the sox off many of us who are also meeting-jaded.

I do confess to thinking this: just as good (that should be usual) service delights us (because most service is so bad) was this meeting FABULOUS relative to other ASAE and related industry offerings, or was it FABULOUS on its own? And more specifics of what was so different and good would help we who weren't in attendance learn. Thanks.

Kevin, you're absolutely right about the Annual Meeting. It was a triumph--perhaps the finest meeting I've ever attended in the association world--and ASAE & the Center's volunteer leaders and staff should be (and are, I know) very proud of what they've accomplished. As a former GWSAE staff member and long-time volunteer, I am proud of them.

And while you're absolutely correct that we need to take what we've learned in Nashville and make it actionable, I suggest that from time to time over the next 12 months we allow ourselves the occasional luxury of imagining what awaits us in Boston. Last night, I spoke with one of ASAE & the Center's senior leaders during the concert. This person asked me, "How do we top this?" And I said, "I don't know how, but I know you will." And so I believe they will, with our help. It promises to be very exciting!

It was by far the best experience I had at a meeting I didn't attend this year! Thanks so much to the Xtreme bloggers for all your work on the blog, flickr, etc., which made it possible for people like me who couldn't attend to pick up some of the knowledge shared, and get a feel for how the whole experience was.

I share your feelings, Kevin. I think it may go down as the best annual meeting ever. My feelings are inadequately expressed at http://caeexam.blogspot.com/2005/08/asaecenter-best-annual-meeting-ever.html

I second all that you said Kevin. Great meeting and the ASAE/Center staff should be proud of themselves for pulling it off.

What a great wrap-up, Kevin. Sorry I missed the event this year. I will go through the blog to soak up some insight and ideas.

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