ASAE Recruits Associations to Oppose Amendment Calling on Limited Government Travel to Meetings
March 22, 2013
Timed with the American Society of Association Executive’s annual legislative fly-in for American Associations Day, held March 18-19, the organization gathered letters to deliver to Senate offices opposing a proposed amendment to H.R. 933 that would prohibit federal agencies from sending more than 25 employees to any meeting or conference held in the United States.
The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), which was offered in response to reports last year of wasteful conference spending by the General Services Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, was eventually dropped when H.R. 933 passed, allowing the government to continue being funded through the end of Fiscal Year 2013.
More than 350 associations heeded the call for letters that were delivered to Senate offices March 18 stating why they felt the Coburn Amendment would be harmful.
“ASAE supports lawmakers’ efforts to curb wasteful or unnecessary government spending, but Amendment 67 would arbitrarily limit the number of federal employees who can attend a meeting or conference to learn about the latest industry practices and pick up insights from the private sector that could lead to more effective policymaking,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE.
He added, “Isolating the government from the industries it regulates is a bad idea. We need to do everything we can to protect the mutually beneficial collaboration that occurs when government and the private sector meet face-to-face.”
Government attendance at meetings was one of the key issues that participants in American Associations Day took to Capitol Hill earlier this week.
ASAE’s annual legislative fly-in, which was part of the overall Power of a Week March 13-19, is attended by association professionals from more than 30 states, who come to Washington to share their concerns with their legislators and promote the value of the association community to the economy and society as a whole, according to ASAE officials.
Please click HERE to read the Coburn Amendment S.AMDT 67. This amendment is one of 99 filed that were originally attached to continuing resolution H.R. 933.
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
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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
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