ASAE Annual Meeting Is Going Virtual Again

March 4, 2021
ASAE Annual Meeting Is Going Virtual Again

ASAE made the difficult but what it felt was the prudent decision this week to move its Annual Meeting & Exposition online for the second consecutive year.

Originally scheduled to be held in Dallas this summer, the association’s largest event will take an approach similar to PCMA’s Convening Leaders. In addition to online distribution, there will be small meeting hubs set up in different regions for in-person networking and activities. The annual meeting will be conducted over the week of August 16.

“As has been the case throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ASAE’s first priority in all meetings and events decisions is the safety and welfare of our participants,” said ASAE President and CEO Susan Robertson. “Logistically, a lot of planning goes into every aspect of the meeting to ensure its success and, right now, there are too many variables outside our control that could impact our attendees’ meeting experience.”

The news serves as a bit of a reality check for the events industry as it looks to break free of COVID-19’s stranglehold. Some trade shows, scheduled for or relocated to Orlando, have found a path forward. Meanwhile, vaccine distribution is ramping up across the country as some states, like Texas, have done away with mask mandates.

Yet while confidence builds, it is far from universal and various factors are at play. Corporate groups, which generally prefer smaller meetings, will have a natural advantage returning to face-to-face than associations, which are accustomed to large crowds to generate needed annual revenue. The National Restaurant Association, for example, cancelled its annual May show in Chicago for a second-straight year. Meanwhile, PRSA moved its Travel & Tourism Conference to a digital format in June.

One key factor for myriad decisions going forward is that destinations remain under different regulations regarding in-person gatherings. ASAE noted in its press release that its home, Washington, D.C., still limits groups to 10 or fewer people. As such, ASAE also opted to move its 2021 Marketing, Membership & Communications Conference, set for the nation’s capital, to an online event running June 2-4.

Likewise, attendees will likewise have different comfort levels and expectations that will be addressed through hybrid formats.

Said Robertson: “While we’re all eager for a full-bore return to face-to-face meetings, we’re excited to create some options in August for our attendees to access top-level content virtually or reunite with their colleagues and partners in a safe, controllable environment.”

ASAE is still determining where hub meetings for the annual meeting will be, but anticipates that Dallas and other ASAE Alliance Partner destinations will fill the roles. Craig T. Davis, VisitDallas President and CEO, has already shown a willingness to step in despite losing out on the impact of hosting of the industry’s most prestigious shows.

“VisitDallas and ASAE are of course mutually disappointed that we can’t convene a full, in-person Annual Meeting in Dallas and showcase the city for ASAE’s attendees, but we understand and support the decision,” Davis said. “We look forward to participating in this year’s virtual meeting and as a host for one of the regional hub meetings, and we hope to have the opportunity to host the ASAE Annual Meeting in-person again in the near future.”

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact